Street Corn Chicken Casserole Fiesta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 600 g cooked chicken, shredded
02 - 300 g corn kernels, drained if canned
03 - 170 g cream cheese, softened
04 - 120 ml sour cream
05 - 60 ml mayonnaise
06 - 200 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded and divided
07 - 60 g cotija cheese, crumbled and divided

→ Seasonings

08 - 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped and divided
09 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Topping

15 - 70 g tortilla chips, crushed
16 - Remaining Monterey Jack cheese

→ Garnish (optional)

17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Lime wedges
19 - Hot sauce

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, corn kernels, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Fold in half of the crumbled cotija cheese and half of the chopped cilantro. Blend in chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and fresh lime juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir until creamy and evenly incorporated.
03 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
04 - Disperse the remaining cotija cheese evenly across the surface of the casserole.
05 - In a small bowl, toss the crushed tortilla chips with the reserved Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until the cheese is distributed throughout.
06 - Scatter the tortilla chip and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling at the edges.
07 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with the remaining cilantro, lime wedges, and a dash of hot sauce if desired before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
02 - Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for a smoother consistency.
03 - Fresh lime juice adds brightness to the dish; do not omit for best flavor.
04 - For a vegetarian adaptation, replace chicken with black beans.
05 - For added heat, stir in diced jalapeños or choose a spicier cheese.
06 - Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy, lighter variation.