Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of flavors that brings together the heartiness of chicken chili and the vibrant tastes of Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes this one-pot meal both satisfying and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This chili comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavor Explosion: The unique mix of spices and fresh corn creates a rich, savory flavor profile that will impress everyone.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize toppings to suit your taste, from fresh cilantro to crumbled cheese.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty ingredients and delicious taste, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Street Corn Chicken Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking everything in one place, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A good chef’s knife makes all chopping tasks quicker and safer.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

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 Mixture

• 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 until softened.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Spices

Add the minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, along with more kosher salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Stir well while breaking apart the chicken with a spatula until fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Broths and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and optional beef broth along with the chicken base. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning adjustments—add more chili powder or salt if necessary.

Serve your Street Corn Chicken Chili hot with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder, or lime wedges as desired! Enjoy this hearty dish that combines comfort foods into one delightful bowl.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience. To enhance your dish, consider these serving suggestions that will complement the flavors and add variety.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This cheese enhances the chili with its salty, creamy texture.
• Chili Powder: A dash on top can intensify the chili’s flavor profile.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime over the chili gives it a zesty kick.

Pair with Bread

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be served on the side for dipping.

Serve with Rice

• Cilantro-Lime Rice: This light and fluffy rice complements the chili’s richness.
• Spanish Rice: The flavors of seasoned rice blend well with the spiced chili.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

Perfecting your Street Corn Chicken Chili can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you master this delicious dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and vegetables enhance the overall flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or fewer jalapenos based on your preference.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer develops deeper flavors—don’t rush this step!
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice for a balanced dish.
• Experiment with Broths: Mixing chicken broth with beef broth can add complexity to the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

To round out your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully with Street Corn Chicken Chili.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances the spice of the chili.
2. Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this side is perfect for soaking up leftover chili.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add a smoky flavor that complements the chili’s ingredients nicely.
4. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are great for dipping into your hearty bowl of chili.
5. Salad with Lime Vinaigrette: A light salad dressed in lime provides a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a filling, colorful side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious.

• Ignoring ingredient prep: Failing to properly dice the onion and jalapeños can lead to uneven cooking. Always chop your ingredients uniformly for consistent flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: If you cook the ground chicken too long, it can become dry. Aim for a light brown color and remove it from heat once fully cooked.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Many forget to taste before serving, which can result in bland chili. Always adjust the seasoning at the end for a flavor boost.
• Skipping toppings: Toppings like cilantro and lime enhance the dish’s flavors. Don’t skip them; they add freshness and brightness.
• Wrong cooking temperature: Cooking over high heat can burn your ingredients. Use medium heat for better control and to avoid scorching.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the chili will expand when frozen.

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 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Street Corn Chicken Chili.

What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Street Corn Chicken Chili combines the creamy flavors of Mexican street corn with tender chicken in a hearty chili. It’s perfect for a filling meal.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes! Frozen corn works great in this recipe. Just add it directly without thawing; it’ll cook perfectly during simmering.

How spicy is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted based on how many jalapeños you use. For less heat, remove seeds or use fewer peppers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! Substitute ground chicken with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I customize my chili?

Feel free to add beans, bell peppers, or other vegetables. You can also change the spices according to your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion that brings together rich flavors and textures in one pot. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!