If you love bold flavors, creamy toppings, and a little spicy kick, this Chili’s Street Corn Recipe is for you. Inspired by the famous street-style corn served at Chili’s Grill & Bar, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen.
This Mexican-inspired side dish is roasted until perfectly tender, then topped with a creamy lime sauce, chili powder, Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. The result? A smoky, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy corn dish that tastes absolutely irresistible.
The best part? It’s simple to make, uses basic ingredients, and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s get started.
What is Chili’s Street Corn?
Chili’s Street Corn is inspired by Mexican Elote, a popular grilled corn-on-the-cob snack sold by street vendors. It features roasted or grilled corn coated with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. It is then topped with Cotija cheese and fresh herbs.
At Chili’s Grill & Bar, this dish is served as a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with burgers, ribs, chicken, or fajitas. It’s smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy — a perfect balance of flavors.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here’s why this homemade Chili’s Street Corn recipe will become your favorite:
- ✅ Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
- ✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients
- ✅ Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors
- ✅ Great side dish for BBQs and family dinners
- ✅ Restaurant-style taste at home
If you enjoy simple, easy-to-follow recipes, this one is perfect for you.
Equipment’s
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Brush or spoon for spreading sauce
Ingredients with Amounts
Here’s everything you need to make Chili’s Street Corn:
- 3 ears of corn, husked
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, Recommended
- 3 tablespoons Daisy Sour Cream, Recommended
- 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Grated Los Altos Cotija Cheese, Recommended
- ⅓ teaspoon chili powder (for garnish)
These ingredients create the perfect creamy and spicy topping that makes this street corn special.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
Place the husked corn in a medium cast iron skillet.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Step 3: Roast the Corn
Roast in the oven for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through.
The corn should be tender inside and slightly browned outside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- A pinch of salt
Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble
Remove the corn from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over each ear of corn.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Sprinkle with:
- Cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra chili powder for garnish
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh corn works best for the sweetest flavor.
- You can also grill the corn instead of roasting for a smoky BBQ taste.
- Adjust chili powder to control the spice level.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best results.
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are some tasty ideas:
1. Spicy Street Corn
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or drizzle hot sauce on top.
2. Cheesy Upgrade
Mix some grated Parmesan with Cotija for extra cheesy flavor.
3. Mexican-Style
Sprinkle Tajín seasoning instead of extra chili powder.
4. Street Corn Off the Cob
Cut roasted corn kernels off the cob and mix everything in a bowl to make street corn salad.
Tips
- Roast at high temperature (425°F) for better caramelization.
- Do not overcook, or the corn may dry out.
- Spread sauce while corn is still warm so it melts slightly.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best browning.
These small tips make a big difference in flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Chili’s Street Corn?
This street corn pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken
- BBQ ribs
- Burgers
- Steak
- Fajitas
- Tacos
It’s also a great side dish for summer cookouts, family dinners, or parties.
How to Store Chili’s Street Corn?
If you have leftovers:
- Let the corn cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes
or - Microwave for 1–2 minutes
For best taste, add fresh cilantro and a little extra cheese after reheating.
Our Other Delicious Recipe:
Chili’s Street Corn Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing Bowl
- Cast-Iron Skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Brush or spoon for spreading sauce
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn husked
- Kosher salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, Recommended such as Hellmann’s
- 3 tablespoons Daisy Sour Cream, Recommended such as Daisy
- 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 tablespoons Grated Los Altos Cotija Cheese, Recommended
- ⅓ teaspoon chili powder for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the Corn
- Place the husked corn in a medium cast iron skillet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Step 3: Roast the Corn
- Roast in the oven for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- The corn should be tender inside and slightly browned outside.
- Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- A pinch of salt
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Assemble
- Remove the corn from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over each ear of corn.
- Step 6: Add Toppings
- Sprinkle with:
- Cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra chili powder for garnish
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Serve With Chili’s Street Corn?
Chili’s Street Corn pairs particularly well with the Baja fish tacos, Beef burritos, Cilantro lime grilled shrimp, Maryland crab cakes, Bourbon baby back ribs, Roasted red pepper and mushroom quesadillas, and baked tortilla chips and salsa.
How To Store & Reheat Chili’s Street Corn?
This is one of those recipes that is best served hot and fresh off the cob. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil or store them in a covered container for up to 3 days before reheating them in the oven at 350 F for 10 to 15 minutes.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Chili’s Street Corn?
The main ingredients of this Chili’s street corn recipe are Corn, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, and Cotija Cheese. They have many health benefits. They are as follows:
Coren: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells and aids in warding off ailments like cancer and heart disease, which is abundant in corn.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contains nutrients that promote health, such as vitamin E, which helps heart health, and vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting.
Sour Cream: Sour cream may help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and certain varieties contain probiotics, which can aid with digestion and immunological health.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese contains protein, which your body requires to create and repair tissue, as well as vitamin A, which is beneficial for your eyes and boosts your immune system.
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Conclusion
This Chili’s Street Corn Recipe is creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s inspired by the popular side dish from Chili’s Grill & Bar and brings authentic Mexican street flavors into your kitchen.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-style dish that your family and guests will love. Whether you roast it in the oven or grill it outdoors, this street corn recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Try it once, and it may become your favorite side dish!
