Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of white chicken chili and the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. This hearty one-pot meal brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and savory spices, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. The creamy texture and zesty notes ensure that every spoonful is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chili comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich taste that stands out in any meal.
• Versatile Meal: This chili can be served on its own or topped with your favorite garnishes for an extra touch of flair.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a casual family dinner, Street Corn Chicken Chili fits right in.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: With its comforting flavors and appealing presentation, it’s bound to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smoother, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the cooking experience without any interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients evenly while allowing enough space for simmering.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables and prepare ingredients efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for quick prep time, making ingredient preparation easier.
• Wooden spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pots, helping to mix ingredients thoroughly.

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 Flavoring

• 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 Creaminess and Freshness

• 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 about 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally until vegetables are softened.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture

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

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth along with beef broth (if using) and add the chicken base. Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Final Touches

Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice into the chili. Let cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning; adjust with more chili powder or salt if needed before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Street Corn Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Serving Street Corn Chicken Chili can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.

With Toppings

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese enhances the chili’s creaminess.
• Chili Powder: A sprinkle can intensify the chili flavor for those who love spice.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity.

As a Main Course

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Use crunchy chips for dipping, adding a satisfying crunch.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with the chili for a fun, edible serving option.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

Perfecting your Street Corn Chicken Chili is simple with a few key tips. Keep these in mind for an exceptional dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and vegetables enhance the flavors significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat by modifying jalapenos or adding more hot sauce based on your preference.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Letting the chili simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Broths: Mixing chicken broth with beef broth adds depth but stick to your favorites for consistent taste.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these options:

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the chili’s heat perfectly. Bake it fresh for added warmth.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast to the spiciness of the chili. Serve it chilled.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice makes an excellent base or side dish alongside your chili.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add freshness and balance out the richness of the chili.
5. Salad with Lime Dressing: A light salad dressed with lime gives a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chili.
6. Tortillas: Warm tortillas can be used for scooping up chili or as wraps filled with leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Street Corn Chicken Chili even better. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season your ingredients can lead to bland chili. Always taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or chili powder.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the ground chicken too long can result in a tough texture. Aim for a nice brown color without drying it out.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or frozen corn may dull the flavor of your chili. Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch that enhances this dish.
• Ignoring the simmering time: Rushing through the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow time for the ingredients to meld together.
• Neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings can reduce the overall experience of your chili. Adding fresh cilantro or lime juice brightens up each bowl.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot. Start with one minute and add more time if needed.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Street Corn Chicken Chili:

What makes Street Corn Chicken Chili unique?

Street Corn Chicken Chili combines traditional chili flavors with the sweet and savory elements of Mexican street corn, creating a delicious twist on a classic dish.

Can I substitute any ingredients in Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Yes! You can use ground turkey instead of chicken, or replace jalapenos with less spicy peppers if desired.

How spicy is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

The spice level can vary based on the number of jalapenos used and any additional hot sauce added. Adjust these to suit your taste!

Is Street Corn Chicken Chili healthy?

This recipe is packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from corn, making it a nutritious option when paired with healthy toppings.

How should I serve my Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Serve it hot, topped with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or crumbled cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile! This one-pot meal brings together wonderful flavors and textures that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding different beans or adjusting spice levels to fit your family’s taste preferences.