Street Corn Chicken Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings the flavors of summer right to your kitchen, then you’re in for a treat with this Street Corn Chicken Chili! This recipe combines the heartiness of white chicken chili with the sweet and smoky notes of Mexican street corn. It’s a special dish that my family loves, and I’m sure yours will too! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Imagine coming home after a long day and having this warm bowl of chili ready to nourish you. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy the delightful combination of spices, fresh corn, and tender chicken. Trust me, it’s a meal that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight.
• Family-friendly: Everyone in your household will love the flavors—it’s kid-approved!
• One pot wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal and relax with loved ones.
• Make ahead convenience: You can easily prepare this chili ahead of time and reheat it, making it great for meal prep.
• Flavor-packed: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on this Street Corn Chicken Chili is simple! You’ll find that most of these ingredients are wholesome and easy to gather from your pantry or local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Chili Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 to 4 jalapeno peppers (seeds removed and diced)
• 6 to 8 ears corn on the cob (kernels cut from cob)
• kosher salt, pepper
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds ground chicken

For the Spices

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin

For the Broth

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup your favorite beef broth (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)
• a few dashes hot sauce of choice

For Creaminess & Freshness

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons lime juice

Optional Toppings

• More cilantro
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Lime wedges

Variations

One of the best things about Street Corn Chicken Chili is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey instead of ground chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add diced serrano peppers or some cayenne pepper to kick up the spice level.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty plant-based version.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil along with the diced onion, jalapenos, corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is essential as sautéing the vegetables brings out their flavors and softens them just right.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture

Next, add in your minced garlic and ground chicken along with chili powder, paprika, cumin, more kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes while breaking apart the chicken with a spatula. This helps ensure everything is well combined and allows those spices to infuse into the meat.

Step 3: Add Broths & Simmer

Now it’s time to add in your chicken broth, beef broth (if using), and chicken base. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. This simmering process melds all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 4: Final Touches

After simmering, stir in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Allow everything to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through. Don’t forget to taste for seasoning; adjust with more chili powder or salt if needed!

And there you have it—a beautiful pot of Street Corn Chicken Chili ready to serve! Top each bowl with extra cilantro or crumbled cotija cheese if you like. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Chicken Chili

Cooking can be a joyful experience, and with these expert tips, you’ll take your Street Corn Chicken Chili to the next level!

• Prep ahead: Chopping your vegetables and measuring out spices before you start cooking saves time and helps everything come together smoothly.
• Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, remove all the seeds from the jalapenos. For more kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce.
• Use fresh corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch that frozen or canned corn can’t match. If it’s in season, it’s worth the effort!
• Simmer longer for flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
• Taste as you go: Don’t hesitate to taste your chili throughout the cooking process. Adjust salt, spice, and acidity until it’s perfect for your palate.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Serving Street Corn Chicken Chili is all about presentation and enhancing those delicious flavors. Here are some ideas to make your dish truly shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up each bowl with its vibrant color and refreshing flavor.
• Crumbled cotija cheese: This tangy cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the chili beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: A classic pairing! Sweet, fluffy cornbread soaks up the chili perfectly while adding a delightful contrast in texture.
• Avocado salad: A simple salad of diced avocado, lime juice, and diced tomatoes offers creaminess and freshness that balances the richness of the chili.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a fun way to scoop up the chili while adding an extra layer of texture.
• Rice or quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa makes this dish even heartier and helps soak up every drop of that flavorful broth.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe! Your friends and family are sure to love it as much as you will.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Street Corn Chicken Chili that you might find helpful!

Can I use frozen corn for Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great alternative and saves time. Just add it in during the cooking process without needing any thawing.

What makes Street Corn Chicken Chili unique?

This chili combines the flavors of traditional white chicken chili with the sweet and spicy elements of Mexican street corn, creating a uniquely delicious dish!

How can I make Street Corn Chicken Chili spicier?

If you prefer more heat, consider adding extra jalapeños or even some diced serrano peppers. You can also use a spicier hot sauce when finishing your chili.

Can I substitute ground chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives work well if you’re looking for different protein options while keeping the flavors intact.

What toppings go well with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or lime wedges enhance the flavor and add freshness to your dish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Street Corn Chicken Chili as I am! It’s such a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together so many vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering with friends, I trust that this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy making this delightful one-pot meal, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me! Happy cooking!