Slow Cooker Street Corn brings the vibrant, zesty flavors of classic Mexican street corn right into your kitchen. This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with the rich, creamy essence of elote-style corn, perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or as a standalone delight. Enjoy this flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum taste!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Street Corn
This Slow Cooker Street Corn recipe is a game changer for weeknight dinners. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy families. You can effortlessly whip up this dish using just a few ingredients, including chicken, corn, and creamy cheese. Second, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours. Third, it’s versatile; you can serve it in tacos, on rice, or even on its own as a comforting meal. Fourth, this dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets. Fifth, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. Lastly, you can easily adjust the spice level, whether you prefer a mild flavor or a spicy kick. With this easy slow cooker corn dish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Street Corn
Gather these items:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
How to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Place chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: While the chicken is being shredded, add the frozen corn kernels and softened cream cheese directly into the slow cooker with the remaining liquid and aromatics. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat it in the creamy corn mixture. Let it simmer on LOW or WARM for another 10-15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Step 6: Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve hot with your preferred sides.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Street Corn
Keep these in mind:
- For the best flavor, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to blend.
- Consider using fresh corn if it’s in season; it enhances the sweetness of the dish.
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use plant-based cream cheese.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Street Corn
This slow cooker Mexican corn dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it in warm corn tortillas for delicious tacos topped with extra Cotija cheese and cilantro. Alternatively, spoon it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer or side dish.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Street Corn
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Street Corn
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Street Corn?
The secret lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the spices and flavors to meld beautifully. Using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh corn or Cotija cheese, enhances the taste further, making the dish irresistibly rich and creamy.
Can I make Slow Cooker Street Corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge after it cools, and reheat before serving. The flavors actually improve after sitting, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Street Corn?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Also, remember to stir in the cream cheese and sour cream after cooking to maintain their creamy texture and prevent curdling.
Variations of Slow Cooker Street Corn You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! One option is to add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, transforming this into a spicy street corn in crockpot. Another variation is to incorporate black beans for added protein and fiber. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. These variations showcase the dish’s versatility and can cater to different dietary preferences.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection, or if you’re looking for a fun twist on classic dishes, try our Mummy Mini Pizzas! If you’re interested in healthy options, consider making Pumpkin Sage Soup for a nutritious meal.
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Delicious Slow Cooker Street Corn with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
An easy slow cooker recipe bringing the vibrant, zesty flavor of classic Mexican street corn to tender, shredded chicken. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or a flavorful standalone meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
Instructions
- Place chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is being shredded, add the frozen corn kernels and softened cream cheese directly into the slow cooker with the remaining liquid and aromatics. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat it in the creamy corn mixture. Let it simmer on LOW or WARM for another 10-15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve hot with your preferred sides.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
