The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chili, blending the richness of white chicken chili with the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy weekends. The creamy texture and zesty taste make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Enjoy a rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients that create a deliciously complex taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this chicken chili can be made in about an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, or pair it with your favorite sides. It’s great for family meals or potlucks!
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with lean chicken, corn, and spices, this recipe offers a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable Garnishes: Top each bowl with your choice of garnishes like avocado or lime for added freshness!
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this delicious chicken chili, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing for ample space to stir ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps to chop vegetables quickly and safely.
- Tongs: Perfect for handling hot chicken without losing pieces when transferring them from the pot.
Ingredients
We’re combining the best elements of White Chicken Chili and classic Mexican Street Corn. This simple Chicken Chili Recipe is loaded with zesty flavor!
For the Base
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 7 ounce chopped green chiles (mild or medium)
- 4 cups fresh corn cut off the cob (about 4-5 cobs)
For Creaminess
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Flavor Enhancement
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper
For Garnish
Possible garnishes include:
* More cilantro or shredded cheese
* Avocado slices
* Lime wedges
* Tortilla chips
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Set a large 6-8 quart soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and chopped onions.
* Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
* Add in the minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
* Sauté another 2-3 minutes to soften these ingredients.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Add the chicken broth to the pot along with whole chicken breasts and chopped green chiles.
* Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
* Bring the mixture to a boil before simmering for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare Corn
While the chicken cooks:
* Cut the corn off the cobs and set aside.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Once cooked:
* Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot.
* Add fresh corn into the pot and stir well.
* Chop or shred the cooked chicken breasts then return them to the pot.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Stir in sour cream and shredded pepper jack cheese into the chili.
* Sprinkle in cornstarch while stirring rapidly to prevent clumps from forming.
Step 6: Final Simmer
Allow chili to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Afterward:
* Turn off heat and stir in lime juice.
Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite garnishes!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Serving your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili can enhance the overall dining experience. This chili is rich and flavorful, making it perfect for a cozy meal with friends or family. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Use Fresh Garnishes
- Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for a rich texture that complements the chili.
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze fresh juice over their bowls.
- Tortilla Chips: Offer crispy tortilla chips for dipping or adding crunch to each bite.
Pair with Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Top individual servings with extra shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spiciness of the chili.
Serve with Bread
- Cornbread: Warm cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, providing a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Getting your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili just right involves a few simple tricks. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs significantly enhance the flavor compared to canned options.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the cayenne pepper based on your taste preference; you can always add more later if desired.
- Shred Chicken by Hand: For better texture, shred cooked chicken by hand rather than using a mixer; this gives you larger, juicier pieces.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: If time allows, let your chili simmer longer after adding all ingredients. This helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different garnishes like crumbled feta or jalapenos based on what you enjoy most.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Pairing your chili with complementary side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great base and absorbs chili flavors well.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a cool contrast and pairs excellently with spicy chili.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy fries topped with cheese and drizzled in chili create an indulgent side dish that everyone loves!
- Simple Salad: A light salad with lime vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of hearty chili.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob coated in cheese and spices echoes the flavors of your chili while offering a fun texture.
- Baked Tortilla Chips: Serve warm, homemade tortilla chips as a crunchy side that complements the soup-like consistency of the chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe, keep an eye out for these common mistakes to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Using too much spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper and jalapenos according to your heat preference. Start with less; you can always add more later.
- Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you don’t simmer the chicken for too long. Cook just until it’s done to keep it tender and juicy.
- Not sautéing long enough: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Properly softening the onions and garlic enhances the chili’s flavor.
- Skipping the garnishes: Garnishes like cilantro, cheese, or avocado add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them for a complete experience.
- Choosing low-quality ingredients: Use fresh corn and quality chicken for the best taste. Fresh ingredients significantly elevate this dish’s overall flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This chili can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
- Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you leave some space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe?
This recipe combines traditional white chicken chili flavors with elements of Mexican street corn, resulting in a zesty and creamy dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make it ahead of time. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer as outlined above.
What are some good garnishes for my chili?
You can use more cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, lime wedges, or tortilla chips as garnishes to enhance the presentation and flavor of your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The total time for preparing this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe is about 60 minutes—20 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking.
Final Thoughts
The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that offers comfort with a twist. Its creamy texture and zesty notes make it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili
The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delicious, creamy twist on classic chili, combining the rich flavors of white chicken chili with the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, offering a delightful blend of spices and fresh ingredients that make every bite exciting. With its easy preparation, this comforting chili can be ready in about an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy days. Customize it with your favorite garnishes like avocado and lime for added freshness!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion
- 4–5 cloves garlic
- 1 large jalapeno
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 cups fresh corn (about 4–5 cobs)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, cilantro, cumin, oregano, and cayenne; sauté for another few minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add whole chicken breasts along with chopped green chiles. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, cut corn off the cobs.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred or chop it, return it to the pot along with fresh corn.
- Stir in sour cream and shredded cheese; sprinkle in cornstarch while stirring to avoid clumps.
- Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until thickened before stirring in lime juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Adjust spice levels based on personal preference. Allow longer simmering time for deeper flavor if desired.
