Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh corn cut from the cob works beautifully in this recipe. You'll need about 6-7 cups of corn kernels to replace the canned corn. The fresh corn adds a wonderful texture and sweetness that makes this dish even more special.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it's very mild. The green chiles add flavor more than heat. If you're serving people who are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of green chiles or drain them before adding. For heat lovers, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this dish 1-2 days ahead and reheat it when needed. The flavors actually meld together nicely as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.

My cream cheese isn't melting smoothly. What should I do?

If you notice clumps of cream cheese, don't worry! Increase the heat to high (if cooking on low), remove the lid to let some moisture evaporate, and stir vigorously. The cream cheese will eventually incorporate into a smooth sauce. Using room temperature cream cheese and cutting it into small cubes before adding helps prevent this issue.

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Green Chiles Recipe

This incredibly creamy, slightly spicy Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Green Chiles transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this hands-off recipe delivers rich, buttery corn with a gentle kick from green chiles – all while freeing up your oven and stovetop for other dishes. It’s comfort food at its finest that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just dump everything in the slow cooker, press start, and walk away. The perfect side dish for when you need to focus on other parts of the meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: This creamed corn strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory with a hint of heat that appeals to nearly everyone at the table.
Versatile: Works beautifully alongside holiday turkey, summer barbecue, or weeknight chicken dinner – it’s a year-round favorite that fits any occasion.
Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to enjoy time with your guests or tackle other dishes while delicious aromas fill your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Canned Corn: The foundation of our dish. Drain it well to prevent the final dish from becoming too watery. The natural sweetness makes this dish irresistible.
Butter: Creates richness and helps form that silky texture. The butter melts into every bite, making the corn truly luxurious.
Cream Cheese: The magic ingredient that transforms regular corn into “creamed” corn. It adds tanginess and incredible creaminess.
Green Chiles: Brings a mild heat and southwestern flavor without overwhelming the dish. The subtle kick balances the sweetness perfectly.
Sugar: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. You can reduce this if your corn is particularly sweet.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together. The right amount makes every other ingredient shine.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed) or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Bacon Lover’s Version: Stir in 6-8 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon just before serving for a smoky flavor that complements the sweet corn beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Cheese Please: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Green Chiles

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Drain the corn and add it to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the sliced butter, cubed cream cheese, undrained green chiles, sugar, salt, and pepper on top of the corn.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 2-4 hours. Stir occasionally to help the cream cheese melt evenly throughout the corn mixture.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once everything is well combined and heated through, give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The cream cheese should be completely melted, creating a velvety sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately in a beautiful dish, or keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: These chimichangas are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can easily customize these chimichangas with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble these chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

How to Serve

This creamed corn pairs beautifully with so many main dishes:

Holiday Meals

Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib for a memorable holiday feast.

Barbecue Companion

The slight kick from green chiles makes this a perfect partner for ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.

Weeknight Dinners

Pair with simple protein like rotisserie chicken or grilled steak for an elevated everyday meal.

Presentation

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a beautiful color contrast when serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits!

Freezing

While you can freeze this creamed corn, the texture may change slightly when thawed. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring frequently, or in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream if the mixture seems too thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh corn cut from the cob works beautifully in this recipe. You’ll need about 6-7 cups of corn kernels to replace the canned corn. The fresh corn adds a wonderful texture and sweetness that makes this dish even more special.
Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s very mild. The green chiles add flavor more than heat. If you’re serving people who are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of green chiles or drain them before adding. For heat lovers, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this dish 1-2 days ahead and reheat it when needed. The flavors actually meld together nicely as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
My cream cheese isn’t melting smoothly. What should I do?

If you notice clumps of cream cheese, don’t worry! Increase the heat to high (if cooking on low), remove the lid to let some moisture evaporate, and stir vigorously. The cream cheese will eventually incorporate into a smooth sauce. Using room temperature cream cheese and cutting it into small cubes before adding helps prevent this issue.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Green Chiles transforms humble ingredients into something truly special with almost no effort on your part. It’s the perfect solution when you need a delicious side dish but don’t want to babysit another pot on the stove. The combination of sweet corn, tangy cream cheese, and mild green chiles creates a flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s a holiday feast or Tuesday dinner, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Give it a try – your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!