Get ready to bring the bold, smoky flavors of Chili’s Roasted Street Corn to your table! This irresistible side dish features sweet corn charred to perfection, then slathered in a creamy, zesty sauce and topped with savory seasonings. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with any meal!

Chili’s Street Corn is the ultimate side dish, bursting with smoky, charred flavor and coated in a creamy, zesty sauce.
This copycat Chili’s Roasted Street Corn recipe brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen, using grilled or roasted corn smothered in a rich blend of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
Every bite is packed with a perfect balance of tangy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors that make it irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout or alongside your favorite Tex-Mex meal, this street corn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You Will Love Chili’s Street Corn Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Get the same bold, smoky, and cheesy flavors of Chili’s Street Corn without leaving your kitchen.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together quickly for a hassle-free side dish.
- Perfectly Creamy & Tangy – The combination of mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili seasoning creates a rich and flavorful coating.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer BBQ, taco night, or a weeknight dinner, this dish pairs well with everything.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice with more or less chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce to suit your taste preference.
Ingredients Needed For Chili’s Street Corn Recipe

- Corn– Fresh corn on the cob, husks peeled off.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy mayonnaise for a rich and smooth base.
- Sour cream – Tangy sour cream adds creaminess and flavor depth.
- Cotija cheese – Crumbled cotija cheese for a salty, crumbly finish.
- Chili powder – Mild chili powder adds a hint of spice.
- Lime Juice– Fresh lime juice for a zesty citrus punch.
- Salt – Salt for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors.
- Limes – Lime wedges for extra fresh citrus drizzle.
- Fresh cilantro – Chopped cilantro adds freshness and vibrant green color.
Chili’s Street Corn Recipe Variations
- Seasoning Variations: You can adjust the flavor of Chili’s Street Corn by using different seasonings, such as smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste or cumin for an earthy kick. For a spicier version, try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Toppings and Cheeses: In addition to cotija cheese, try using crumbled feta for a tangy twist or shredded mozzarella for a milder flavor. You can also top the corn with chopped green onions, bacon bits, or a drizzle of creamy cilantro-lime dressing for extra richness
How to Make Chili’s Mexican Street Corn

Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: Remove the husks from the corn and, if necessary, cut the ears in half to fit in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush the corn with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step Three: Place the corn in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
Cook at 400 degrees F (200°C) set cook time for 12-15 minutes, turning the corn halfway through, until the kernels are golden and slightly charred.
Step Four: While the corn cooks, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and salt in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
Step Five: Once the corn is done, remove it from the air fryer and brush the creamy sauce mixture generously over the corn. Sprinkle extra cotija cheese over the corn and dust with more chili powder for added flavor. Serve the corn with lime wedges on the side for extra citrus. And garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor and color.

Chili’s Street Corn Recipe Tips
- Grill the Corn for Extra Flavor: For a smoky, charred flavor, grill the corn on medium-high heat until the kernels are golden and slightly crispy. This adds a delicious depth to the dish.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor. It adds a zesty, bright kick that enhances the creamy sauce and complements the grilled corn.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili powder and omit any additional spicy seasonings. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it easier to assemble the corn when ready to serve.
- Add More Toppings: Experiment with toppings like chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled bacon, or extra cotija cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of the corn.
- Use a Grill Basket or Skewers: If grilling, using a grill basket or skewers makes it easier to handle the corn and ensures it cooks evenly.
Storing
- Storing: Chili’s Roasted Street Corn can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the corn cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Freezing: To freeze, remove the sauce from the corn and place the grilled corn on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. You can freeze the corn for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the corn in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through. For extra flavor, you can brush the corn with a little additional sauce before reheating.

The Best Chili’s Street Corn Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen corn for Chili’s Street Corn? While fresh corn on the cob is ideal for grilling, you can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Can I make Chili’s Street Corn ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to grill the corn fresh right before serving to keep the charred flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese? If you can’t find cotija, try using feta cheese or Parmesan as alternatives. Both have a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor that complements the corn.
How do I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, simply use less chili powder for a milder version or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat. You can also omit the chili powder for a non-spicy option.
Can I cook the corn in the oven instead of air frying? Yes, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. It won’t have the same charred flavor as grilling, but it will still be delicious.

More Chili’s copycat recipes
- Copycat Chili’s Steak Fajitas Recipe
- Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Chili
- Chili’s Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
- Chili’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad
- Copycat Chili’s Black Beans
- Copycat Chili’s Texas Cheese Fries
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Chili’s Roasted Street Corn
Description
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn, husks removed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese, grated, plus extra for topping
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Remove the husks from the corn and, if needed, cut the ears in half so they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly brush the corn with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the ears are arranged in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning the corn halfway through, until the kernels are golden and slightly charred.
- While the corn cooks, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and salt in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Once the corn is done, remove it from the air fryer and generously brush the creamy sauce over the corn.
- Sprinkle extra cotija cheese and a pinch of chili powder over the corn for added flavor.
- Serve the corn with lime wedges and fresh cilantro (optional) for garnish and extra flavor.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
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