Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe is a delightful fusion that brings together the zesty flavors of Mexican street corn and the heartiness of chicken chili. Perfect for various occasions, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also offers a creamy, slightly spicy taste that will satisfy any crowd. Its vibrant ingredients make it a visually appealing option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your chili with various toppings or serve it alongside your favorite sides.
• Feeding a Crowd: With 8 servings, this recipe is ideal for gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean ground chicken, this chili is both hearty and wholesome.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather essential tools to ensure a smooth preparation experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This is essential for cooking large batches of chili evenly without overcrowding.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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 and black pepper, to taste
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced

For the Chili

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
• A few dashes hot sauce of choice

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 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 Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the diced onion, diced jalapenos, corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Stir in the minced garlic and ground chicken. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, along with additional salt and pepper as needed. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Use a spatula to break apart the chicken as it browns and melds with the aromatics.

Step 3: Simmer Together

Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the chicken base. Increase heat to bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the chili to thicken while developing deep flavors.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while stirring gently until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more chili powder, salt, or pepper if desired.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, or lime wedges if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving your Street Corn Chicken Chili can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro – Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions make a great crunchy topping that complements the chili.

Accompany with Crunchy Snacks

• Tortilla Chips – Serve crispy tortilla chips on the side for dipping or scooping.
• Cornbread – A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy chili.

Add Creamy Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Avocado Slices – Fresh avocado provides a cool, buttery contrast to the chili’s heat.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

To ensure your Street Corn Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh corn and spices enhance the overall flavor and texture of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the number of jalapeños or hot sauce based on your preference for heat.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors and improve consistency.
• Blend for Creaminess – For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the chili before serving.
• Taste as You Go – Continually taste and adjust seasonings to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Here’s a selection of delicious options.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices is a classic accompaniment.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and helps balance flavors in each bite.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complement the chili well.
5. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas stuffed with beans or cheese are great for dipping into the chili.
6. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a hearty twist on traditional servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly.

• Using Whole Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is best! Cut the kernels off the cob for a sweeter, fresher flavor. Canned corn can be used in a pinch but may not provide the same taste.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t skimp on spices! Proper seasoning enhances the flavors of your chili. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Avoid dry chicken by cooking it just until browned. Overcooking can lead to tough meat, which detracts from the chili’s creaminess.
• Neglecting to Simmer: Simmering is key! Allowing your chili to simmer helps meld the flavors together. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful dish.
• Ignoring Toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor! Don’t forget to garnish with cilantro, lime, or cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe.

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Chili spicy?

Yes! Adjust the number of jalapeños or add additional hot sauce to increase the spice level according to your taste.

What can I use instead of ground chicken?

You can substitute ground turkey or even shredded chicken if desired. Both options work well and maintain flavor.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total preparation time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including cooking time.

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great alternative and will save you prep time while still providing sweetness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This chili stores well and is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe brings together classic flavors in a comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s versatile, allowing for various toppings and spice levels to suit your taste preferences. Give this hearty chili a try, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Street Corn Chicken Chili

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with our Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe! This hearty dish combines the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn with the comforting warmth of chicken chili. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared in just over an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The creamy texture and slightly spicy kick make it a crowd-pleaser, while its colorful ingredients ensure it looks as good as it tastes. Customize your chili with various toppings and serve alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 and black pepper, to taste
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
• A few dashes hot sauce of choice
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons lime juice

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, jalapeños, corn, salt, and pepper for 7 to 9 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and ground chicken; stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes until chicken is browned.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add chicken base; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice; cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot in bowls garnished with additional cilantro or toppings of your choice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg