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A serving of slow cooker street corn chicken in a rustic bowl.

Zesty Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

This Zesty Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked with corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of spices, finished with a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese for a flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Two forks

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 (15-oz) can corn, drained (or 2 cups fresh/frozen)
  • 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Ro*Tel), undrained
  • 1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Creamy Components & Garnish

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled plus more for garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
  • Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker; add corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  • Remove chicken from slow cooker to a cutting board, shred with two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker insert.
  • Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, and half of the crumbled cotija cheese until well combined and creamy.
  • Ladle into bowls or serving vessels, garnishing with the remaining cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. If you prefer a milder flavor, use regular diced tomatoes instead of Ro*Tel. This dish is excellent served with warm tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.