Street Corn Chicken Salad: Creamy, Zesty & Flavorful Recipe

Ensure your cooked chicken is completely cooled. Shred the chicken into tender strands or dice it into uniform bite-sized pieces, whichever you prefer. Place the prepared chicken into a large mixing bowl.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, preferably a cast iron pan, over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the corn kernels in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes until sizzling and good caramelization with golden-brown spots appear.

Stir the corn and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until most kernels have developed some char and a toasted aroma fills your kitchen. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the corn to cool slightly before adding it to the bowl with the chicken.

To the bowl containing the chicken and corn, add the finely diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, finely diced jicama, and the minced jalapeño, if you are using it for extra heat.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and the minced chipotle in adobo sauce. Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.

Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring it is perfectly balanced before combining with the other ingredients.

Pour the zesty dressing over the chicken and corn mixture. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined and thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the street corn chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential, allowing the vibrant flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Before serving, taste the chilled street corn chicken salad and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with additional crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a lovely presentation and extra fresh flavor.