Street Corn Chicken Chili Fiesta (Delicious One-Pot White Chicken Chili Meets Mexican Street Corn)

Name: Street Corn Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and diced; 6 ears corn, kernels cut from cob; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground chicken; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 tablespoon cumin; 4 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup beer (optional); 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup chopped cilantro; 3 tablespoons lime juice

If you’re ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and flavor bliss, then you’re in for a treat with this Street Corn Chicken Chili! This vibrant dish combines the creamy, zesty essence of Mexican street corn with the hearty warmth of white chicken chili, creating a perfect harmony of sweet corn kernels, spicy jalapeños, and savory chicken. Each spoonful is a flavor explosion, guaranteed to transport your taste buds to a lively street market filled with tantalizing aromas. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Street Corn Chicken Chili is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion!
– Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a symphony of taste that you simply can’t resist.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy weeknight dinner, everyone will adore this hearty dish!
– One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and the company of loved ones.
– Easily Customizable: Feel free to make it your own with various toppings and add-ins!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some fantastic ingredients that will come together to create this mouthwatering Street Corn Chicken Chili. The star of the show? Those sweet corn kernels! Their juicy sweetness adds a delightful contrast to the spicy and savory notes of the dish.

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion (diced)
– 3 to 4 jalapeño peppers (seeds removed and diced)
– 6 to 8 ears of corn on the cob (kernels cut from cob)
– Kosher salt and 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
– 3/4 cup your favorite beer (optional)
– 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)
– A few dashes of 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

*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Variations

The beauty of this Street Corn Chicken Chili lies in its flexibility! Here are some fun twists to make it your own:
– Go Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free beer or skip it entirely to keep things gluten-free!
– Add Extra Protein: Toss in some black beans or pinto beans for an extra protein boost and added texture.
– Make it Spicier: If you like a kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery finish.
– Swap the Dressing: For a creamier chili, mix in a dollop of cream cheese along with the sour cream.
– Cheese it Up: Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a deliciously cheesy layer!

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a steaming pot of Street Corn Chicken Chili ready to serve.

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

In a large soup pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, throw in the diced onion, jalapeños, corn kernels, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Sauté for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies soften and become fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Stir in the minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and another sprinkle of kosher salt and pepper. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, breaking apart the chicken as it cooks until it’s no longer pink and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the chicken broth, your favorite beer (if using), and the chicken base. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Final Touches

Add in the hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more chili powder, kosher salt, or pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings—think more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime wedges!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Chicken Chili

– Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allow your veggies to soften and caramelize for maximum flavor.
– Use Fresh Corn: If you can, use fresh corn on the cob for the sweetest and juiciest results.
– Adjust Spice Level: Start with a moderate amount of jalapeños and hot sauce, then adjust to your taste preference.
– Season Wisely: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning at the end to find your perfect balance.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Garnishes:

Enhance your Street Corn Chicken Chili with these delightful garnishes:
– A sprinkle of fresh cilantro
– Crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy finish
– A dash of chili powder for extra spice
– Bright lime wedges for a zesty kick

Side Dishes:

Pair your chili with these scrumptious side dishes:
– Freshly baked cornbread for a comforting touch
– Crisp tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch
– A simple green salad to balance the richness

Creative Ways to Present:

Serve your Street Corn Chicken Chili in style:
– Individual cups for a fun, party-ready presentation.
– A large communal bowl to encourage sharing and bonding.
– Pack it in lunchboxes for a delicious reheatable lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Keep your delicious Street Corn Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

Absolutely! This chili freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a pot over medium heat or microwave until heated through!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to use ground turkey or beef if you prefer.

Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is adjustable! If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the jalapeños and hot sauce.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can make this chili a day ahead, and the flavors will only deepen and improve.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply omit the beer or use a gluten-free variety, and you’re all set!

Final Thoughts

Get ready to warm your heart and fill your belly with this irresistible Street Corn Chicken Chili! With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and customizable options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Dive in, enjoy every satisfying spoonful, and don’t forget to share the love (and this recipe) with friends and family! Happy cooking!