Slow cooker street corn chicken is a creamy, savory dish that’s incredibly easy to make. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy evenings, offering a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Flavorful and Creamy Comfort Food
This slow cooker street corn chicken is a warm, creamy bowl of comfort. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with sweet corn and rich cream cheese, creating a texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Every bite feels like a hug on a cold day!
Effortless Preparation for Busy Days
With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set this dish to cook while you go about your day. Simply layer the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work. It’s as easy as that!
Family-Friendly Meal for Everyone
This recipe is not only delicious but also appeals to even the pickiest eaters. It’s healthy and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for the whole family to enjoy together.
Versatile Serving Options
Serve this dish with a variety of sides like cilantro-lime rice or guacamole. It’s also great on its own, making it an excellent option for meal prep or casual gatherings.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Chicken Choices: Breasts vs. Thighs
You can use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. Choose based on your preference!
Corn Varieties: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned
Feel free to use 2 cups of corn based on what you have on hand. Fresh grilled corn adds a lovely smoky flavor, while frozen or canned corn is a convenient alternative.
Cream Cheese and Cotija: Dairy Options
For this recipe, use 4 ounces of cream cheese. If you’re looking for vegan options, alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill work wonderfully. Cotija cheese complements the dish well, but feta can be a great substitute!
Flavor Enhancers: Spices and Seasonings
Chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder elevate the flavors significantly. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to experiment!
Garnishing with Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your dish. Don’t skip this step; it brightens up the creamy mixture beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, layer with corn, cream cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder. Avoid stirring—this ensures that the cream cheese melts perfectly!
Cooking Times: LOW vs. HIGH Settings
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and shreds easily, allowing all the delicious flavors to meld together.
Shredding the Chicken for a Creamy Finish
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. Mix everything together until well combined. If the sauce needs thickening, simply add cornstarch and water as directed.
Make Ahead Options for Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
To save time, chop and measure out all ingredients the night before. Store them in the fridge so they’re ready to toss in the slow cooker in the morning.
Storage Tips for Quick Meal Prep
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Complementary Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with cilantro-lime rice, black bean salad, or cornbread. Each option complements the creamy chicken while adding texture and flavor.
Beverage Pairings for a Complete Meal
Consider serving margaritas or a refreshing iced tea to balance the richness of the dish. These beverages enhance the dining experience and keep the meal light and enjoyable.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Avoiding Stirring for Best Results
Remember, don’t stir the ingredients before cooking. This allows the cream cheese to melt uniformly, creating a luscious sauce.
Thickening the Sauce: Techniques and Tips
If the sauce seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the pot and cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
Adjusting Spice Levels to Suit Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the spice levels by varying the chili powder. For a milder flavor, smoked paprika is a perfect choice!
Vegan and Dairy-Free Adaptations
If you’re looking for a vegan dish, simply substitute both the cream cheese and cotija cheese with plant-based alternatives. You won’t miss the dairy!
Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Variations
Buffalo Chicken Twist
Add buffalo sauce to the mix for a zesty, spicy kick that will excite your taste buds.
Vegan Fiesta Option
Swap out the chicken for jackfruit or chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based option that everyone will enjoy.
Tex-Mex Casserole Idea
Layer the chicken mixture with tortillas and cheese for a delicious casserole that’s sure to please a crowd.
Creamy Soup Version
Add broth to the mixture after shredding the chicken for a comforting soup perfect for chilly evenings.
Breakfast Hash and More
Transform leftovers into a savory breakfast hash by adding diced potatoes and eggs. It’s a fantastic way to start your day!
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Refrigeration Guidelines for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and flavor.
Freezing for Future Meals
If you want to save some for later, freeze it in freezer-safe containers. This makes for an easy meal on busy days!
Reheating Instructions for Best Quality
When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
How long can you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
You can cook chicken in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.
How to know when slow cooked chicken is ready?
Slow cooked chicken is ready when it’s tender and can be easily shredded with two forks.
Why is slow cooker chicken so dry?
Slow cooker chicken can become dry if overcooked or if there isn’t enough moisture in the pot.
Will slow cooking chicken make it tender?
Yes, slow cooking chicken helps to break down the proteins, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Related Recipes to Try
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Easy Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Conclusion
Slow cooker street corn chicken is a dish worth making now. Not only is it easy and delicious, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization. For more fantastic ideas, check out Elly’s recipes on Pinterest for inspiration and fun twists on your favorite meals!
Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken: A Creamy Delight!
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Forks
Ingredients
- 2 cups Corn (fresh grilled, frozen, or canned)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese or vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill
- 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese or feta as a substitute
- 1 juice Lime Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder or chipotle/cayenne for variations
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- Boneless Chicken Breasts/Thighs
- Fresh Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and layer with corn, cream cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder without stirring.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks and mix everything together, adjusting the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.