This creamy, flavorful dish brings together the sweet, smoky elements of elote and combines them with tender chicken and corn, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the corn, heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cotija cheese, butter, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients to combine evenly, ensuring the chicken is covered with the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Add lime juice and stir again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve topped with fresh cilantro for garnish.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
Slow Cooker Elote-Inspired Creamed Corn Chicken: A Comforting Delight
Slow cooker recipes are a great way to create comforting, flavorful meals with minimal effort, and the Slow Cooker Elote-Inspired Creamed Corn Chicken is no exception. This dish combines the sweet, smoky flavors of elote with tender chicken and creamy corn, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the next day, this recipe is both delicious and satisfying.
The Magic of the Slow Cooker
One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the convenience. It allows you to throw all the ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget it. This means that you can focus on other tasks or relax while the slow cooker does the hard work. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The chicken becomes tender and juicy as it cooks, absorbing all the flavors of the creamy, cheesy sauce. The corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture, making every bite a mouthwatering experience.
The Flavors of Elote
Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a beloved street food that combines grilled corn on the cob with a rich, creamy coating of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. These flavors come together to create a unique balance of smoky, spicy, tangy, and savory tastes. By incorporating these ingredients into a slow cooker chicken dish, you can recreate the essence of elote in a way that’s more convenient and accessible for everyday meals.
A Creamy, Flavorful Sauce
The key to this recipe’s creamy richness is the combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. These ingredients create a velvety sauce that coats the chicken and corn perfectly. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness, while the cheddar cheese contributes a sharp, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the spices.
Perfectly Shredded Chicken
One of the standout features of slow cooker recipes is how easily the chicken becomes tender and shreds. As the chicken breasts cook, they absorb the flavorful sauce, making them easy to shred with just a fork. The result is moist, flavorful chicken that blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
Corn: Sweet and Crunchy
Frozen corn is a staple ingredient in many slow cooker recipes because it cooks quickly and adds a burst of natural sweetness. In this dish, the corn pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and the smoky, spicy seasoning. The slight crunch of the corn contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce, adding another layer of texture to the dish.
The Role of Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a key ingredient in elote and adds a salty, crumbly texture that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. As the cheese melts into the sauce, it imparts a savory richness that complements the creaminess of the other cheeses. It also adds a touch of authenticity, bringing the true flavors of Mexican street corn to the table.
Smoky and Spicy Seasonings
The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder adds depth to the dish and provides that signature smoky flavor reminiscent of grilled elote. The chili powder and paprika give a slight heat, while the cumin brings an earthy warmth that ties all the flavors together. The seasoning is not overwhelming but adds just the right amount of spice to balance the creamy sauce.
The Addition of Lime Juice
Lime juice is a crucial component of elote, providing a refreshing, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. In this recipe, the lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty contrast to the savory, cheesy notes. A splash of lime juice just before serving ensures that the dish has a vibrant, fresh finish.
Garnishing with Fresh Cilantro
While the dish is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings an extra layer of flavor. The herb’s fresh, slightly citrusy taste adds a burst of brightness that complements the rich, creamy sauce. The green color of cilantro also adds a pop of freshness to the overall presentation of the dish, making it visually appealing as well as tasty.
Making It Your Own
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. While the dish is inspired by elote, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences. For example, you can swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. If you like a spicier version, you can add more chili powder or even a diced jalapeño for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like adding mozzarella or pepper jack, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Meal Prep-Friendly
This recipe is ideal for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator for several days and even freezes well for future meals. If you have a busy week ahead, make a big batch of this dish and portion it out into individual servings for easy lunches or dinners. It’s a comforting and filling option that can be reheated quickly, making it perfect for those hectic days when you don’t have time to cook.
A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck, or a casual dinner party, this slow cooker creamed corn chicken is sure to impress. The creamy, cheesy dish is rich and satisfying, and the combination of flavors will appeal to a wide variety of tastes. The dish also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from a simple green salad to a hearty serving of rice or mashed potatoes.
How to Serve It
This dish is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to serve it up for a complete meal. Serve it with a side of Mexican rice or roasted vegetables to round out the flavors. You can also serve it with warm tortillas, so your guests can scoop up the creamy chicken and corn filling. Another option is to serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce and create a hearty meal.
The Creaminess Without the Guilt
Despite its rich, creamy texture, this recipe can still be a relatively healthy option if prepared in moderation. While the heavy cream and cream cheese do add some calories, you can make adjustments to lighten the dish up if desired. For example, using reduced-fat cream cheese or replacing the heavy cream with a lighter alternative can reduce the overall fat content while maintaining the creamy texture.
Perfect for All Seasons
While this dish has a comforting, hearty vibe that makes it perfect for colder weather, it’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. The flavors of the smoky spices and creamy sauce are just as satisfying during the warmer months, especially when paired with a fresh side like a tangy slaw or a crisp cucumber salad.
How to Make It Spicy
For those who enjoy a little more heat, this dish can easily be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. Adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper will give the sauce a fiery kick, while incorporating fresh jalapeños into the slow cooker will add a fresh, zesty heat. Just be sure to taste as you go, so you can control the level of spice to your liking.
The Benefits of Using Frozen Corn
Frozen corn is not only convenient but also retains its sweetness and texture. It’s an ideal ingredient for slow cooking, as it holds up well in the pot and infuses the sauce with its natural sweetness. You don’t have to worry about the corn becoming mushy or losing its flavor, which can sometimes happen with canned corn. Plus, frozen corn is a year-round ingredient, making this dish easy to prepare no matter the season.
The Versatility of Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a popular choice in many Mexican-inspired dishes, and for good reason. Its crumbly texture and salty flavor make it a great addition to slow cooker dishes like this one. As it melts into the sauce, cotija cheese enhances the overall richness while adding a tangy, salty depth. It’s also a great finishing touch, offering a slight crunch and saltiness that balances the sweetness of the corn.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While this dish can stand on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh, tangy slaw to add some crunch and acidity. For a more substantial meal, try pairing it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad. A side of grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes would also complement the creamy, flavorful chicken perfectly.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Elote-Inspired Creamed Corn Chicken is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful. With its creamy sauce, smoky spices, and tender chicken, this meal is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the rich flavors of elote in a convenient, easy-to-make recipe that will leave everyone asking for more.
