Street Corn Chicken Chili brings together the delightful flavors of white chicken chili and the sweet, smoky notes of Mexican street corn. This one-pot dish is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to lively gatherings with friends. With its rich texture and vibrant taste, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion: Experience a unique blend of white chicken chili and Mexican street corn that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Quick Preparation: In just about an hour, you can whip up a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, whether it’s game day or a casual dinner party.
- Simple Ingredients: Use easily accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like cilantro or lime to personalize each bowl.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Street Corn Chicken Chili efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking larger portions and allows for even heating as you simmer the chili.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient cutting of vegetables and meat.
- Measuring spoons: These help you accurately measure spices, ensuring consistent flavor in every batch.
Ingredients
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a mix between white chicken chili recipe and Mexican street corn, delicious flavors for a perfect 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 Creaminess and Flavor
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
Optional Toppings
- more cilantro
- crumbled cotija cheese
- chili powder
- lime wedges
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapenos, corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally until softened.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and more kosher salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Stir frequently while breaking apart the chicken with a spatula until cooked through.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Pour in the chicken broth along with beef broth if using, then add chicken base. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Afterward, incorporate hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Final Adjustments
Taste your chili for seasoning. If needed, add more chili powder or kosher salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot with optional toppings such as more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, or lime wedges as desired.
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy texture and vibrant flavors pair well with various toppings and sides that enhance the dish.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the chili.
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: A tangy cheese that complements the spice of the chili.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice for an extra zing.
Serve with Crispy Tortilla Chips
- Tortilla Chips: These provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy chili and are perfect for dipping.
Offer a Side Salad
- Mexican Street Salad: A light salad with corn, beans, and avocado can balance the richness of the chili.
Enjoy with Warm Flour Tortillas
- Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas are great for wrapping around the chili or scooping it up.
How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili
To elevate your Street Corn Chicken Chili, consider these tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Bold Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices like chili powder and cumin to suit your taste; this enhances depth.
- Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn on the cob provides a sweet crunch that frozen corn can’t match. Select ripe corn for optimal sweetness.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer melds flavors together beautifully, making every bite delightful.
- Add Heat Gradually: If you enjoy spice, start with fewer jalapeños and add more as it cooks to control heat levels effectively.
Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili
Complement your Street Corn Chicken Chili with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall experience.
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs perfectly with chili.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers grilled until tender add a smoky flavor.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory chili.
- Avocado Salad: Fresh avocados mixed with lime juice and cilantro create a refreshing side that’s easy to prepare.
- Black Bean Salsa: A zesty salsa made of black beans, tomatoes, and onions adds extra protein and flavor.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy fries topped with cheese make for an indulgent side that’s hard to resist.
- Roasted Potatoes: Herb-seasoned roasted potatoes bring heartiness to your meal without overwhelming flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Street Corn Chicken Chili can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using frozen corn: While convenient, frozen corn may lack the fresh flavor you want. Use fresh corn on the cob for the best taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: If cooked too long, ground chicken can become dry. Cook just until fully browned for juicy results.
- Neglecting seasoning: Skipping spices or not tasting as you go can lead to bland chili. Be generous with your seasonings and adjust to your preference.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Adding cold ingredients to a hot pot can slow down cooking. Let refrigerated items come to room temperature first.
- Forgetting about toppings: Toppings enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they make your chili truly special.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covering loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a comforting blend of white chicken chili flavors combined with sweet corn and spices, inspired by Mexican street corn.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that offers similar flavors and textures while being lower in fat.
How do I customize my Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Feel free to add beans, different peppers, or even vegetables like zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! Making it ahead allows flavors to develop further. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or additional ingredients to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of creamy white chicken chili and the sweet, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn. This one-pot wonder is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game night with friends. With its hearty texture and vibrant taste, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for a truly personalized experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 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, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 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 beef broth (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- a few dashes hot sauce of choice
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, jalapeños, corn kernels, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and additional salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes until chicken is browned.
- Pour in chicken broth (and beef broth if desired) and add chicken base. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Mix in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice; cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot with optional toppings like cilantro and lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. For extra flavor, consider adding beans or other vegetables like zucchini. Fresh corn adds sweetness; frozen corn can be used if fresh is not available but may lack the same crunch.
