Street Corn Chicken Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, then you’re in the right place! This Street Corn Chicken Chili brings together the creamy goodness of white chicken chili and the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. It’s truly a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. I love how easy it is to prepare and how it makes my kitchen smell like a fiesta!

This recipe is not just about nourishment; it’s about creating moments together. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or enjoying a quiet dinner with loved ones, this chili will surely become a favorite. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and sweet corn; it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Street Corn Chicken Chili, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious one-pot dish!

For the 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

For the Chili

• 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 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 Serving

• 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 this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Instead of ground chicken, try using ground turkey or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more jalapeños or some diced serrano peppers.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for an extra creamy texture.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili

Step 1: Cook the Base

Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil along with the onion and jalapenos. Sauté these until they soften—about 7 to 9 minutes. This step is crucial because cooking them brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to our chili. Toss in those sweet corn kernels along with kosher salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken

Next up, stir in minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, more kosher salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 7 to 9 minutes while breaking apart the chicken with a spatula. This ensures even cooking and infuses all those lovely spices into the meat.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the chicken broth (and beef broth if you’re using it), followed by the chicken base. Bring this mix to a boil before reducing the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully. Then stir in hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice—this adds a zesty kick!

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Finally, give your chili a taste test! Adjust seasoning with additional chili powder, kosher salt, or pepper as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder sprinkles, or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy every warm spoonful of this scrumptious Street Corn Chicken Chili!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Chicken Chili

Making Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chopping your vegetables and measuring out spices before you start cooking saves time and helps keep the cooking process smooth.

• Adjust spice levels to your taste: If you prefer a milder chili, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce or even some diced serrano peppers.

• Utilize fresh corn when in season: Fresh corn adds a sweetness and crunch that canned or frozen corn simply cannot replicate. If fresh corn isn’t available, opt for quality frozen kernels.

• Let it simmer longer for richer flavors: While 25-30 minutes is enough time for the flavors to meld, letting it simmer longer (up to an hour) can deepen the taste and make it even more delicious.

• Make it ahead of time: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it in advance and store it in the fridge; just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Serving Street Corn Chicken Chili is all about presentation and enhancing its already vibrant flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal special!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds brightness and freshness that perfectly complements the rich chili.
• Crumbled cotija cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a creamy texture and salty flavor that balances the dish beautifully.
• Lime wedges: Offering lime wedges allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their servings, adding a zesty kick that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Soft, warm cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices while adding a sweet contrast.
• Tortilla chips with salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside a fresh salsa provide a great texture contrast while adding extra flavor.
• Avocado salad: A simple salad made with diced avocados, tomatoes, onion, and lime juice offers a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the chili.
• Mexican rice: Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with spices is an excellent accompaniment that rounds out this hearty meal.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with Street Corn Chicken Chili! It’s not just food; it’s an experience bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Street Corn Chicken Chili is an excellent choice for meal prep! It’s perfect for making ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and it stores well, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chili to room temperature.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (leave some space for expansion).
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For quicker reheating, use the microwave in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Street Corn Chicken Chili that might help you out!

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Chili spicy?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by adding more jalapenos or your favorite hot sauce.

What can I serve with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh salad to complement its rich flavors.

How long does Street Corn Chicken Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your chili will last about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I prepare Street Corn Chicken Chili in advance?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later.

Is there a vegetarian option for Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Certainly! You can substitute ground chicken with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Street Corn Chicken Chili as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The combination of flavors truly makes this recipe special. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experiences—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking!