Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the comfort of white chicken chili with the zesty essence of Mexican street corn. Perfect for cozy gatherings, game day, or a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish will impress your guests and family alike. The unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich, creamy chili that is both hearty and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground chicken, spices, and corn delivers a deliciously complex taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your cooking process with this easy one-pot recipe that minimizes cleanup.
• Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite toppings to cater to everyone’s taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this chili suits every occasion.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this meal ready in under an hour.

Tools and Preparation

To make Street Corn Chicken Chili, you’ll need some essential tools that will help you create this delicious dish with ease.

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: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing all the flavors to meld together.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients like onions and jalapeños quick and safe.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your spices are perfectly balanced for optimal flavor.

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 Chili

• 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth

Optional Additions

• 3/4 cup your favorite beer (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)
• A few dashes hot sauce of choice

For Serving

• 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 additional kosher salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Stir frequently to break apart the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth along with beer if you’re using it. Add the chicken base. Increase heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

Stir in hot sauce to taste, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while stirring gently.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste your chili for seasoning adjustments. Add more chili powder or kosher salt as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, or lime wedges for added zest!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it as a cozy meal on its own or paired with delicious sides, there are plenty of options to elevate your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and brightness.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This salty cheese brings richness and a creamy texture.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the chili’s flavors with a zesty kick.

Serve with Tortillas

• Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas are perfect for dipping into the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add texture and make for great scooping.

Pair with Rice or Quinoa

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime complements the chili well.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the chili over quinoa for added protein.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

To make your Street Corn Chicken Chili even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and quality spices enhance the overall flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify jalapenos and hot sauce according to your heat preference.
• Let It Simmer: Longer simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste As You Go: Regularly check seasoning while cooking for the best results.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like avocado or salsa for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

Complement your Street Corn Chicken Chili with these tasty side dishes. They add variety and enhance your meal.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A fresh salad that mirrors the chili’s flavors; combine corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping in chili.
3. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado mixed with tomatoes and onions adds freshness to your meal.
4. Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices pairs perfectly with chili.
5. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled veggies can provide a smoky contrast to the spicy chili.
6. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made of tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno offers a refreshing crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring ingredient prep: Failing to properly dice your onions and jalapenos can lead to uneven cooking. Take the time to prep your ingredients before starting.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking ground chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor closely and stir frequently to ensure juicy results.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Many forget to taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Always check for flavor and add salt or spices as needed.
• Skipping optional toppings: Toppings like cotija cheese and fresh cilantro enhance flavor. Don’t skip them; they add a delicious finishing touch!
• Cooking on high heat: Rushing the cooking process by using high heat can burn ingredients. Stick with medium heat for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally. Heat on medium power for about 2-4 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a flavorful mix of white chicken chili combined with the delicious elements of Mexican street corn. It’s perfect for cozy meals!

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How spicy is this chili?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos used. Remove seeds for milder chili or keep them for extra heat!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out chicken for black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I serve Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Serve hot with toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija cheese, or avocado slices for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only comforting but also versatile! You can customize it with various proteins and toppings to suit your taste. Try it out and enjoy the delicious flavors that this one-pot dish offers!