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To make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken, gather these items: - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp smoked paprika - ½ tsp chili powder - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta) - ¼ cup mayonnaise - 1 lime, juiced - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortilla chips or tortillas for serving If you don’t have fresh items, here are some swaps: - Chicken Thighs: Use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. - Corn: Canned corn works well if fresh or frozen is not available. - Bell Pepper: Any color of bell pepper can replace red. - Jalapeño: Omit it if you prefer no heat. - Cilantro: Parsley can replace cilantro for a milder flavor. - Cotija Cheese: Feta cheese is a good alternative. - Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can add creaminess without the fat. Using the right brands can enhance your dish. Here are my top picks: - Chicken: Look for organic or free-range chicken for better flavor. - Corn: I like Green Giant or Del Monte frozen corn for quality. - Broth: Swanson or Pacific Foods offer rich chicken broth options. - Spices: McCormick spices are reliable for fresh flavors. - Cheese: For cotija, try Queso Fresco brands for authentic taste. - Mayonnaise: Hellmann's or Best Foods provide smooth texture and rich taste. Using these ingredients will help your Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Take 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken. Season it with salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. This mix gives the chicken a great flavor. Make sure to coat all sides well. Next, grab your slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom. This keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Now, add the veggies. Pour in 2 cups of corn kernels, a diced red bell pepper, and a minced jalapeño if you want some heat. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken and veggies. This adds moisture and depth. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender. Once the chicken is ready, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the veggies. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of mayonnaise and the juice of 1 lime. Drizzle this mix over the chicken. Stir in ½ cup of chopped cilantro and 1 cup of crumbled cotija cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Your slow cooker street corn chicken is now ready to serve! To get tender chicken, start with thighs. They stay moist and juicy. Use the right seasonings to enhance the flavor. Salt and pepper are essential. Garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add depth. Let the chicken sit with the spices for a few minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Cook the chicken on low heat for best results. Slow cooking gives it time to become tender. Aim for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Want to kick up the flavor? Add lime juice right before serving. It gives a fresh and zesty taste. You can also mix in some lime zest for extra zing. Consider adding more spices too. A pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder can bring heat. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Sprinkle it on top before serving. You can swap cotija cheese for feta if you prefer. Both cheeses add creaminess and a salty bite. For a smoky twist, consider using smoked cheese. If your chicken feels dry, check the cooking time. Slow cookers vary, so keep an eye on it. Too much cooking can dry it out. If it’s bland, add more salt or spices. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. If the mixture is too watery, you can thicken it. Use a little cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in and let it cook for a few more minutes. For a richer flavor, try cooking with less chicken broth next time. This can make the dish more intense. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe! Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures a tender and juicy result, as they hold moisture better than chicken breasts during slow cooking. Layer for Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding some diced onions or garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker with the chicken. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference. You can also add some red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired. Perfect Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish with lime wedges and extra cilantro on the side for a fresh touch that enhances the flavors. {{image_2}} You can make this dish meatless. Replace chicken with chickpeas or black beans. This adds protein and taste. Use the same spices for great flavor. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or squash. These can bring a nice texture to your meal. If you want more heat, add a second jalapeño. You can also use a spicier pepper like serrano. For less heat, skip the jalapeño or use bell pepper only. Adjusting the spice level lets you make the dish just right for you. Serve this street corn chicken with tortilla chips or in warm tortillas. You can make tacos or nachos with it. Add toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor. A side of rice or a fresh salad pairs well too. Enjoying it with friends makes it even better! After enjoying your street corn chicken, you may have some left. Store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will last up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you have options. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Just put it in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on medium-low and stir until warm. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. If you want to save your street corn chicken for a long time, freezing is great. Scoop the cooled chicken into freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs stay moist and tender. They have more fat, which adds flavor. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time. They may cook faster and could dry out. Feta cheese works great as a substitute. It has a similar texture and salty taste. You can also use goat cheese if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, try a nut-based cheese. It won't be the same, but it can add a nice creaminess. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Before eating, check for any changes in smell or texture. If it looks or smells off, it's best to throw it away. You learned about tasty ingredients for slow-cooked chicken dishes. We covered the best brands, handy substitutes, and how to prepare your chicken. I shared tips for tender meat and flavor boosts, plus fun twists and serving ideas. Storing leftovers and reheating were also important topics. Overall, these steps will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Now, you can create your own delicious meals with confidence. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring chicken thighs, corn, and spices, topped with creamy mayonnaise and cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 whole lime, juiced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed tortilla chips or tortillas for serving

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
  • Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Top the chicken with the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño if using.
  • Pour the chicken broth over the mixture to keep it moist during cooking.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir to combine it with the veggies.
  • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and lime juice. Drizzle it over the shredded chicken mixture and stir in the chopped cilantro and cotija cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve the slow cooker street corn chicken warm with tortilla chips or in tortillas for tacos.

Notes

For an appealing look, serve the chicken mixture in a large bowl topped with additional cilantro, crumbled cheese, and lime wedges on the side.
Keyword chicken, corn, slow cooker, tacos