Zesty Mexican Street Corn & Black Bean Chicken Bake Recipe

Crispy, cheesy mexican street corn black bean chicken bake brings zesty southwestern flavors right to your dinner table.

Layers of sweet corn kernels and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that sings with bold spices.

Southwestern ingredients blend seamlessly in this hearty casserole packed with protein and vibrant textures.

Peppers and black beans add depth and richness to every satisfying bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that promises pure comfort and deliciousness.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire dish with tangy notes.

Come hungry and ready to experience a crowd-pleasing meal that celebrates the best of mexican-inspired cooking.

What Makes Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake So Comforting

• Savor Flavor Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines Mexican street corn, black beans, and chicken in one delicious, satisfying dish that delivers bold, authentic tastes without complicated preparation.
• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal that requires minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from black beans, and nutrients from corn, this one-pan meal offers a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps families happy and healthy.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this versatile recipe appeals to different taste preferences and can be easily customized with additional toppings or side dishes.

Everything You Need For Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that form the main protein of the dish.

• Corn Kernels: Sweet corn that adds texture and Mexican street corn flavor.
• Black Beans: Hearty legumes that provide additional protein and authentic Mexican style.

• Chili Powder, Salt: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a tangy and salty finish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a crisp and bright flavor accent.

Step-By-Step For Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Select a medium-sized casserole dish that will comfortably fit the chicken breasts in a single layer.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, more even pieces. This helps ensure uniform cooking and allows seasonings to penetrate better.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and half of the chili powder evenly over the chicken breasts. Press the seasonings gently into the meat to help them adhere.

Step 4: Layer Vegetables and Beans

• Corn kernels
• Black beans

Dust the remaining chili powder across the top of the vegetables for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Generously crumble Cotija cheese over the entire dish, creating a delicious and creamy blanket that will melt and bind the ingredients together.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and has reached a safe internal temperature.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and a crisp, fresh finish.

Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican street-style cuisine.

Cooking Tips For Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally for even cooking and faster baking time.
• Use fresh corn kernels for maximum flavor, but frozen works perfectly in a pinch.
• Swap Cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco if unavailable in your local market.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe and juicy meat.
• Sprinkle extra chili powder or add jalapeños for those who enjoy spicier dishes.

Flavor Swaps For Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace chili powder with a homemade blend of chipotle, cumin, and smoked paprika for an intensified flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap Cotija cheese with crumbled feta and add oregano, thyme, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Coconut Curry Crossover: Incorporate coconut milk, curry powder, and turmeric to create a creamy, aromatic Indian-style chicken bake with a tropical essence.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the core Mexican street corn and black bean elements for a plant-based alternative.

Best Sides With Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake

• Refresh with Crisp Margaritas: Blend zesty lime margaritas to complement the spicy, vibrant flavors of the Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake, cutting through the richness with tangy citrus notes.
• Cool Down with Creamy Cilantro Sauce: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime crema that adds a smooth, herbal brightness to balance the dish's robust chili and cheese elements.
• Pair with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Create a side of classic elote-style corn salad to double down on the corn theme, bringing extra texture and traditional Mexican street food vibes to the meal.
• Serve with Chilled Mexican Lager: Select a light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy chicken bake.

How To Store Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers in baking dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake FAQ Guide

• What is Cotija cheese and can I substitute it?

Cotija is a Mexican hard cow’s milk cheese with a salty, crumbly texture. You can replace it with feta or queso fresco if unavailable.

• Do I need fresh or canned corn and black beans?

Both work well. Frozen corn and canned black beans are convenient and will deliver similar delicious results to fresh ingredients.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist during baking?

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cuts, which helps prevent drying out. Also, the corn and beans provide additional moisture during cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. For dairy-free, simply omit the Cotija cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican street corn black bean chicken bake brings explosive southwestern flavors dancing across your plate. Creamy, spicy layers combine perfectly, promising a delightful dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 thinly sliced, skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) Cotija cheese, crumbled
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Feta cheese (substitute)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) corn kernels, drained
• 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, washed and drained
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a medium casserole dish for the chicken ensemble.
2. Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform, thin pieces for even cooking.
3. Generously dust chicken with salt and half the chili powder, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Create a vibrant layer of corn kernels and black beans directly over seasoned chicken.
5. Sprinkle remaining chili powder across the vegetable landscape for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Liberally scatter crumbled Cotija cheese, creating a rich, textural blanket on top.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness.
8. Carefully extract the baked dish, allowing a brief resting period to settle flavors.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a bright, zesty finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Use fresh corn kernels for maximum flavor, but frozen corn works perfectly as a quick alternative.
• Adjust chili powder quantity based on heat preference, allowing personalized spice levels.
• Replace Cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco for different flavor profiles or dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg