Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of white chicken chili and Mexican street corn, making it a perfect one-pot dish for any occasion. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken with sweet corn and a mix of spices that will warm your soul. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this chili stands out with its unique flavors and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the delicious combination of Mexican street corn and classic chicken chili in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: This one-pot meal simplifies cooking and clean-up, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, cheese, or lime to personalize each serving.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, this dish is sure to impress.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your Street Corn Chicken Chili turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large batches while allowing ample space for stirring without spills.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precision when chopping veggies and meat, enhancing safety and efficiency in prep.

Ingredients

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 Chicken 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)

Final 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 about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.

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 while stirring frequently. Use a spatula to break apart the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

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

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

After simmering, add hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your chili and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more chili powder, kosher salt, or pepper according to your preference.

Serve hot with optional toppings such as extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, or lime wedges if desired! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Street Corn Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herby flavor.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija adds a creamy texture and salty kick.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

As a Taco Filling

• Soft Tortillas: Use warmed soft tortillas to scoop the chili, creating delicious tacos.
• Crunchy Taco Shells: Fill crunchy taco shells for a fun twist on serving chili.

In a Bread Bowl

• Sourdough Bread Bowls: Hollow out sourdough bread bowls and fill them with the chili for a unique presentation.

With Cornbread

• Sweet Cornbread: Pair the chili with warm, sweet cornbread for a comforting meal perfect for chilly days.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

To ensure your Street Corn Chicken Chili turns out flavorful and satisfying, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and spices will elevate the taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify jalapenos and hot sauce based on your heat preference.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the chili simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Season along the way to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; flavors improve over time.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Consider these options:

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness and complements the chili’s spice.
2. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and coriander makes a filling side.
3. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa offer a crunchy contrast.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Assorted seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection bring added flavor.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices mirrors the chili’s street corn theme.
6. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Street Corn Chicken Chili turns out delicious every time.

• Using fresh corn incorrectly: If using fresh corn, ensure the kernels are cut off the cob properly for even cooking. Avoid old or dried-out corn which can affect flavor.
• Neglecting spice balance: Ensure to taste as you go. Too much chili powder can overpower the dish, while not enough can lead to blandness. Adjust according to your preference.
• Overcooking the chicken: Ground chicken cooks quickly. Overcooking will make it dry and tough. Stir frequently and remove from heat once fully cooked but still moist.
• Skipping the garnishes: Toppings like cilantro or crumbled cheese enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they add a delicious finishing touch.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Proper storage is key to preserving flavor. Allow your chili to cool before transferring it to airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing.

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 portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Street Corn Chicken Chili that might help you perfect this dish.

What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a comforting blend of white chicken chili flavors combined with sweet corn, spices, and creamy ingredients for a hearty meal.

How can I customize my Street Corn Chicken Chili?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, use different types of beans, or adjust the spices based on personal preference.

Can I make this chili spicy?

Absolutely! You can increase the number of jalapenos, add other hot peppers, or include extra hot sauce during cooking to elevate the heat level.

What should I serve with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal experience.

How do I use leftovers from Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Leftovers can be enjoyed as-is or repurposed into burritos, tacos, or served over rice for a different meal option.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not just a delightful one-pot dish; it’s perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Its versatility allows customization with various toppings and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy all the flavors this comforting recipe has to offer!