Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of white chicken chili with the sweet and savory notes of Mexican street corn. Perfect for family gatherings, game day, or a cozy night in, this one-pot meal is sure to impress. The creamy texture and zesty toppings make it stand out as a unique and flavorful choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in less than an hour.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices, fresh cilantro, and lime juice creates a deliciously vibrant flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or serve with your favorite toppings for added flair.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.
• Health-Conscious Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and plenty of vegetables for nutrients.

Tools and Preparation

To make Street Corn Chicken Chili successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These items help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for simmering.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the chili without scratching the 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 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 the 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: Brown the Chicken

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

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

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

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients

Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning; adjust with more chili powder or salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Street Corn Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it with the right accompaniments enhances the experience and brings out its delicious flavors.

Toppings

• Fresh Cilantro: Adding extra cilantro gives a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the chili.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This cheese adds a creamy and salty touch, perfect for balancing the spice.
• Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder can enhance the chili’s flavor and give it an extra kick.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime over each bowl adds brightness and acidity.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: A sweet and buttery cornbread pairs wonderfully with the chili, making for a comforting meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side for dipping or crumbling into the chili for added texture.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast to the spicy chili, making each bite delightful.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

To achieve the best results when making Street Corn Chicken Chili, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn off the cob adds natural sweetness and texture that frozen corn can’t replicate.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat by adding more or fewer jalapenos according to your preference.
• Simmer Longer for Depth: Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen flavors; just ensure you stir occasionally.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like avocado or diced red onion for variety and added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

Pairing your Street Corn Chicken Chili with tasty side dishes makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish seasoned with spices complements the chili perfectly.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables add a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy chili.
3. Avocado Salad: A fresh salad with ripe avocados provides creaminess and balances out the spices.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm chili, enhancing each bite.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can be filled with quinoa or rice, creating a filling accompaniment.
6. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make for a satisfying side that pairs well with any chili dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Street Corn Chicken Chili from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using frozen corn: Fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture in this dish. If you must use frozen, thaw it first for better results.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can make your chili bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
• Overcooking the chicken: Ground chicken cooks quickly. Overcooking it can lead to a dry texture. Monitor cooking time closely.
• Skipping the lime juice: Lime juice adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness. Don’t skip it, as it’s essential for flavor depth.
• Ignoring optional toppings: Skipping toppings like cilantro or crumbled cheese can make your chili less appealing. Add these for extra flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best taste.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags.
• Best used within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Street Corn Chicken Chili:

What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a flavorful one-pot dish that combines white chicken chili with the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn.

How spicy is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the number of jalapenos used. Feel free to add more or less based on your preference.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative while maintaining similar flavors and textures in this recipe.

What toppings go best with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and additional chili powder enhance both flavor and presentation.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground chicken with plant-based protein options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various proteins or toppings based on your preferences. Try this recipe today for a comforting meal that brings an exciting twist to traditional chili!