Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of white chicken chili and the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or casual get-togethers. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and zesty spices creates a warming bowl that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients offers a burst of flavor that elevates traditional chili.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or alongside your favorite sides; it pairs well with bread or rice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties and gatherings, this recipe serves 8, ensuring there’s enough to go around.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cotija cheese or lime wedges to enhance each bowl’s flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Street Corn Chicken Chili successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything comes together perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for stirring
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: This is crucial for cooking the chili evenly and allows all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Cutting board: A stable surface makes chopping vegetables easy and safe.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precision when dicing ingredients, making prep faster and more efficient.
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 beer (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
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 about 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Add the garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, along with more kosher salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes while stirring frequently. Use a spatula to break apart the chicken as it cooks.
Step 3: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, beer (if using), and chicken base. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Afterward, stir in the hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touches
Taste your chili for seasoning. If needed, add more chili powder, kosher salt, or pepper according to your preference. Serve hot with optional toppings such as additional cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder, or lime wedges if desired.
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a crowd-pleaser that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
Toppings
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and enhances the chili’s flavor.
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This cheese brings a creamy texture and salty kick that pairs well with the chili.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty freshness that balances the richness.
- Chili Powder: Sprinkle extra chili powder on top for those who love a bit more heat.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the chili’s savory flavors perfectly.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a delightful contrast to the creamy chili.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado offers a cool counterpoint to the spices in the dish.
How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili
To make your Street Corn Chicken Chili truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and spices enhance the overall flavor of your chili.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you cook and adjust jalapeños or hot sauce for desired heat.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer deepens the flavors and melds ingredients together beautifully.
- Experiment with Beer Choices: Different beers can change the flavor profile. Try a light lager or stout for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with Street Corn Chicken Chili can take your meal to new heights. Here are some great options.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes for a hearty complement.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, this dip provides a refreshing contrast to spicy chili.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of grilled bell peppers and zucchini adds texture and color to your plate.
- Baked Potatoes: Soft potatoes topped with butter allow diners to create their own unique flavor combinations.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw can offer a refreshing bite alongside warm chili.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with veggies are perfect for dipping into your chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season at every step! Adding salt and spices early helps build flavor in your chili.
- Not using enough fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs elevate the dish. Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible for the best taste.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth impacts the overall flavor of your chili significantly. Use a good quality chicken broth or homemade stock for a richer taste.
- Ignoring the toppings: Toppings like crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them; they make your chili even better!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating for best results.
Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Divide into portions for easy defrosting later.
Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20–25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 2–3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a bit of broth if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Street Corn Chicken Chili combines traditional white chicken chili flavors with the sweet, smoky taste of Mexican street corn.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground chicken with plant-based protein like lentils or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How spicy is Street Corn Chicken Chili?
The spiciness depends on how many jalapenos you include. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I prepare Street Corn Chicken Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends!
Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of classic white chicken chili and the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. This one-pot dish features tender ground chicken, sweet corn, and a medley of spices that come together to create a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With a quick prep time and customizable toppings, this chili is not only easy to make but also guaranteed to impress your guests. Serve it warm with a squeeze of lime and your favorite garnishes for an unforgettable dining experience.
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 beer (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- 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
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, sauté diced onion, jalapeños, and corn in olive oil for 7 to 9 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Pour in chicken broth and optional beer; bring to a boil then simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice; cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, replace ground chicken with lentils or tofu and use vegetable broth. Feel free to adjust spice levels by varying the number of jalapeños or adding extra hot sauce.
