Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the creaminess of white chicken chili and the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply enjoying on a chilly evening. With its blend of spices and fresh ingredients, Street Corn Chicken Chili offers a unique twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Hearty and Filling: This chili is packed with protein from ground chicken and plenty of vegetables, making it a satisfying main course.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like cilantro, crumbled cheese, or lime wedges to cater to different tastes.
- One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients cook together in one pot, making cleanup easy and minimizing the hassle.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of spices and fresh corn gives this chili a distinct flavor profile that stands out.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing Street Corn Chicken Chili.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking all ingredients evenly while providing enough space to stir without spills.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even cooking and better presentation.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the chili without mess, ensuring everyone gets a hearty portion.

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 Mix
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 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)
For Finishing Touches
- A few dashes hot sauce of choice
- 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: Sauté Vegetables
Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapenos, corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices
Add the garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, more kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Stir well while breaking apart the chicken with a spatula.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, optional beef broth, and chicken base. Bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touches
Add hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice into the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning; adjust with more chili powder or salt as needed before serving.
This Street Corn Chicken Chili serves up to eight people—perfect for sharing or enjoying as leftovers! Enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate the meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Fresh Garnishes
- Cilantro: Add a handful of chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbaceous kick.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor that brightens the chili.
Cheesy Toppings
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a salty richness that’s perfect with the chili.
- Shredded Cheese Blend: A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar melts beautifully over the hot chili.
Crunchy Accompaniments
- Tortilla Chips: Great for dipping, tortilla chips add texture and crunch to each spoonful.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft and sweet, cornbread muffins are excellent for soaking up the chili’s flavors.
Creamy Additions
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and coolness to balance the heat.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado provides a creamy contrast that complements the spices in the chili.
How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili
To make your Street Corn Chicken Chili even better, consider these helpful tips. Each one will help you achieve delicious results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe jalapeños enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, increase the number of jalapeños or add more hot sauce.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Broths: Try different combinations of chicken and beef broth to find your favorite depth of flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Chicken Chili can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread perfectly pairs with chili’s spice. Serve warm for best results.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices and herbs, this rice adds a hearty base to your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions brings a smoky flavor contrast.
- Garden Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chili.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are easy to prepare and great for dipping into your chili.
- Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy chips makes a tasty side that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Street Corn Chicken Chili can be easy, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish.
- Using frozen corn: Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch. If using frozen, ensure it’s thawed and drained well.
- Skipping seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland chili. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too short or too long can alter textures. Follow timing for simmering to achieve the best flavor.
- Not letting it sit: Serving immediately may not let flavors meld. Allowing it to rest enhances the overall taste.
- Overloading toppings: While toppings are fun, too many can overwhelm the dish. Choose a few complementary ones like cilantro or lime.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the chili cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion.
Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between sessions until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Street Corn Chicken Chili combines the creamy flavors of Mexican street corn with hearty chicken chili, creating a delicious one-pot meal.
Can I use different meats in Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or beef for chicken if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I make Street Corn Chicken Chili spicier?
Add more jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick.
Can I customize the toppings on my Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! Try avocado, diced tomatoes, or even tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer preservation.
Final Thoughts
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for a satisfying meal. It’s versatile enough to customize based on your preferences. Whether you spice it up with more heat or add unique toppings, this recipe promises a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delicious fusion of creamy white chicken chili and the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or enjoying on a chilly evening. With fresh ingredients and a blend of spices, this one-pot meal is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. In just under an hour, you can savor a bowl of comfort that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
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
- pepper
- 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
- 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. Sauté diced onion, jalapenos, corn kernels, salt, and pepper for 7 to 9 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and additional salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
