It’s a warm summer evening, and you’re at your favorite food truck festival, the tantalizing aroma of grilled chicken fills the air. You can’t resist the vibrant flavors of street corn chicken, where juicy chicken meets the sweet crunch of corn, topped with zesty lime and creamy cheese. What’s not to love about this culinary fiesta?
Picture this: you take that first bite, and it’s like a party in your mouth. The smoky char from the grill mingles with the buttery corn and the spice blend that makes your taste buds dance. Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, street corn chicken is always a hit.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This street corn chicken is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor
- It looks fabulous on any dinner table, impressing guests effortlessly
- You can customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs with ease
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing on busy weeknights
I remember the first time I made street corn chicken; my friends devoured it in minutes while I stood there, shocked at how quickly they cleaned their plates.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for about 3-4 breasts depending on how many hungry folks you’re feeding.
Fresh Corn: Use sweet, fresh corn on the cob for maximum flavor; frozen isn’t quite the same.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness to the dish; bottled just won’t cut it.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese is essential for that authentic street corn flavor—don’t skip it!
Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder gives your chicken that kick; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and corn.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps keep everything moist while adding richness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors in this dish—essential!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
It’s time to get cooking! Follow along as we turn simple ingredients into a drool-worthy feast.
Prep Your Chicken: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Pat dry about 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Create Your Corn Mixture: While waiting for the grill to heat up, cut kernels off 3 ears of fresh corn into a bowl. Add in lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt; mix well until combined.
Grill That Chicken!: Place your seasoned chicken breasts directly on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—look for those lovely grill marks!
Add Corn Topping!: Once your chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove it from the grill. Top each piece generously with your sweet corn mixture right away while it’s still hot so that all those amazing flavors meld together.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into it. This helps retain all those juices while also allowing time for you to gather everyone around the table!
Your street corn chicken is now ready! Serve it up with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing.
Enjoy this delightful dish that combines all your favorite summer flavors in one bite!
You Must Know
- This street corn chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of summer to your table
- The creamy, tangy sauce paired with the juicy chicken is truly irresistible
- Perfect for backyard gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for a few hours. Sear it on high heat for a crispy exterior, then finish cooking in the oven for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist. Get adventurous with spices like smoked paprika or add fresh cilantro for brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through to maintain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For that perfect char, ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and flavorful
- Experiment with different cheeses for added creaminess and flavor enhancement
I remember the first time I made street corn chicken for friends at a barbecue. The laughter echoed as they devoured every bite, asking for seconds and thirds—nothing warms my heart more than happy bellies!
FAQ
What can I serve with street corn chicken?
Pair it with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat!
Street Corn Chicken
Street Corn Chicken combines the vibrant flavors of summer into one delicious dish. Juicy grilled chicken is topped with a sweet and zesty corn mixture, featuring lime, cotija cheese, and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 ears fresh corn (kernels removed)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. Pat dry chicken breasts and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 3. In a bowl, mix corn kernels, lime juice, cotija cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- 4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown (internal temperature of 165°F).
- 5. Remove from grill and top each piece with the corn mixture immediately.
- 6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast (170g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
