Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe

Street corn, or Elote, is a popular Mexican street food where grilled corn is slathered in mayonnaise, topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The combination of creamy, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors is irresistible. But what if you could take those same bold flavors and incorporate them into a chicken salad? That’s where this Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad comes in. It’s the ultimate fusion dish, combining the essence of elote with a fresh and hearty salad.

This recipe transforms the flavors of street corn into a satisfying, easy-to-make chicken salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. The chicken provides a protein-packed base, while the corn adds sweetness and texture, all enveloped in a creamy dressing and topped with a zesty kick.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the ingredients, preparation techniques, step-by-step instructions, and creative ways to make this salad your own.

Instructions for Making Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season and Cook the Chicken:

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   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin or chili powder for added flavor. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken.

   • If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   • If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

   • If pan-searing, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side.

2. Rest the Chicken:

   • After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices. Then, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. Grill or Roast the Corn:

   • If you’re using fresh corn, husk the corn and grill it until the kernels are slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

   • Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. If using canned or frozen corn, simply drain and pat dry before using.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables:

   • Dice the red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and avocado. Chop the cilantro finely.

   • Place all the chopped vegetables and herbs in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. Combine the Dressing Ingredients:

   • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, crema (or heavy cream), chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, lime juice, and salt and pepper.

   • Whisk until smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine the Ingredients:

   • Add the cooked chicken, grilled corn, and chopped vegetables to the mixing bowl with the dressing.

   • Toss everything together gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing.

2. Add the Avocado and Cotija:

   • Gently fold in the diced avocado and crumbled cotija cheese, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve and Garnish:

   • Transfer the chicken salad to a serving bowl or individual bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro, crumbled cotija, and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken salad over a bed of fresh greens, such as mixed lettuce, arugula, or spinach, for a lighter option.

2. Tacos or Wraps: For a fun twist, serve the chicken salad in soft flour tortillas as tacos or wraps.

3. On Toast: Spread the chicken salad on toasted baguette slices or whole grain bread for a quick open-faced sandwich.

4. As a Dip: Serve the salad as a dip with tortilla chips or sliced veggies for a party appetizer.

5. With Extra Lime and Chili: For a more intense flavor, garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chili powder before serving.

Tips for Perfect Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad

1. Grilling the Corn: If you want an authentic street corn flavor, grilling the corn will give it a smoky char that enhances the salad. Don’t skip this step if you can help it!

2. Add More Heat: For those who enjoy spice, increase the amount of jalapeño or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

3. Make it Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent it from browning.

4. Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can substitute the freshly cooked chicken with store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded.

5. Vegan/Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans or grilled tofu. To make it vegan, replace the mayonnaise, sour cream, and crema with dairy-free alternatives like avocado or coconut yogurt.

6. Customizable Ingredients: This salad is incredibly versatile. You can add other ingredients like roasted poblano peppers, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for extra crunch.

Conclusion

This Street Corn-Inspired Chicken Salad brings the delicious and iconic flavors of Mexican street corn into a light, refreshing, and satisfying salad. With its creamy dressing, juicy grilled corn, and flavorful chicken, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, this salad will quickly become a favorite!

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you create the perfect chicken salad! Let me know if you’d like any additional variations or ideas for serving this dish!