Name: Street Corn Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground chicken; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 tablespoon cumin; 4 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup beef broth (optional); 1 tablespoon chicken base; 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

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Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the heartiness of white chicken chili and the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a warm and satisfying meal. With its creamy texture and spicy kick, Street Corn Chicken Chili stands out as a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the best of both worlds with this unique blend of white chicken chili and Mexican street corn.
One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this easy-to-make recipe that requires just one pot.
Customizable Toppings: Personalize your bowl with a variety of toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, and cheese for added flavor.
Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein from ground chicken and fresh corn, this chili will keep you satisfied.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Street Corn Chicken Chili, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large soup pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large soup pot: A must-have for cooking all ingredients together evenly without spills.
Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your chili.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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
– 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 pounds ground chicken
– 3 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 3/4 cup your favorite beef broth (optional)
– 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)
– 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 while stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.

Step 2: Cook Chicken Mixture

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

Step 3: Add Broths and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth along with beef broth if you choose to use it. Also add the chicken base. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Allow this mixture to cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Check seasoning; adjust if necessary by adding more chili powder or salt as needed.

Serve hot with optional toppings like extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, more chili powder, or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful bowl of Street Corn Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zing when squeezed over the chili.
Chili Powder: A light dusting of chili powder adds both color and spice.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This creamy cheese provides a rich texture that complements the chili.
Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for a crunchy contrast. They can also be used to scoop up the chili.
Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for added richness and health benefits.

Create a Complete Meal

Serve Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over white or brown rice.
Wrap in Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas to make delicious wraps filled with chili.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Street Corn Chicken Chili, follow these handy tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and spices will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
Adjust Spiciness: Modify the number of jalapenos based on your heat preference. Remove seeds for milder options.
Simmer Longer for Flavor Depth: Letting your chili simmer longer allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before serving; add more salt or spices if needed to balance out flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

Complement your Street Corn Chicken Chili with these delicious side dishes. Each option adds unique flavors that pair perfectly with your main dish.

Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up every bit of chili.
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great base under the chili.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a refreshing contrast and pairs wonderfully with the spice of the chili.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and onions provide a smoky flavor that complements the chili well.
Salad Verde: A light green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa offers brightness and acidity, making it an ideal pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring the seasoning: Seasoning is key to flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as you cook.
Overcooking the chicken: Ground chicken can dry out if overcooked. Cook until just done to keep it juicy.
Skipping the fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice enhance the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip these vital toppings!
Using too little broth: The right amount of broth keeps your chili from being too thick. Ensure you’re using enough for a hearty consistency.
Not allowing enough simmer time: Simmering helps meld flavors. Allow at least 25 minutes for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, 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 the creamy, sweet flavors of Mexican street corn with hearty chicken chili. This fusion creates a deliciously satisfying one-pot meal.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or beef based on your preference while still achieving great flavor.

Is this chili suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Street Corn Chicken Chili stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can vary depending on the number of jalapenos used. You can always adjust according to your taste by adding fewer or more peppers.

What toppings should I use?

Common toppings include cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, lime wedges, and additional chili powder for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of flavors that offers both comfort and excitement. With its creamy texture and zesty toppings, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your preference!