Street Corn Chicken Chili

Chili is a beloved comfort food, but Street Corn Chicken Chili takes this classic dish to a whole new level. Combining the creamy, sweet flavors of Mexican street corn with hearty, savory ground chicken, this chili is bold, vibrant, and irresistible. It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and bursting with textures—from tender chicken to juicy corn kernels, all enhanced with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or entertaining friends, this dish delivers flavor and comfort in every spoonful. Whether served on its own or garnished with cotija cheese and lime wedges, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this chili apart from the usual weeknight recipe?

• Unique Flavor Combination: Sweet corn, lime, and cilantro meet smoky paprika and chili spices.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of sour cream gives the chili a luscious, velvety finish.
• Easy to Make: Ready in just over an hour with mostly stovetop preparation.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust jalapenos or hot sauce to control spice levels.
• Family-Friendly & Entertaining: Bold flavors without being overpowering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A crowd-pleasing fusion of chili and street corn flavors.
• High in protein with tender, juicy ground chicken.
• Gluten-free and adaptable to vegetarian or dairy-free diets.
• Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
• Easy to garnish for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here is the exact ingredient list to make 8 servings of Street Corn Chicken Chili.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3–4 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and diced
• 6–8 ears corn on the cob, kernels cut from cob
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground chicken

Spices & Flavor:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin

Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
• A few dashes of hot sauce (your choice)

Finishing & Garnish:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• Optional toppings: extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, sprinkle of chili powder, lime wedges

Yield: 8 servings (approximately 1.5 cups per serving)

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this chili efficiently, you’ll need:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowls for garnishes
• Citrus juicer for fresh lime juice
• Ladle for serving

Optional: corn zester or knife for removing kernels from cobs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfectly creamy, flavorful Street Corn Chicken Chili.

1. Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, diced jalapenos, and corn kernels.
3. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and vegetables slightly softened.

2. Add Garlic, Chicken & Spices

1. Stir in 6–8 cloves minced garlic.
2. Add 2 pounds ground chicken to the pot.
3. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon cumin, and additional salt and pepper as needed.
4. Cook 7–9 minutes, using a spatula to break apart the chicken as it browns. This allows flavors to meld with the aromatics.

3. Add Liquids & Simmer

1. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and stir in 1 tablespoon chicken base.
2. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, letting the chili thicken and flavors develop.

4. Finish the Chili

1. Stir in hot sauce, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup chopped cilantro, and 3 tablespoons lime juice.
2. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, stirring gently until creamy and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more chili powder, salt, or pepper if needed.

5. Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle chili into bowls.
2. Optional toppings: more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and lime wedges.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, allow the chili to rest for 15 minutes before serving; the spices will intensify.

Tips & Variations

• Less Heat: Reduce jalapenos or remove all seeds.
• Frozen or Canned Corn: Substitute with 4 1/2–6 cups kernels if fresh corn is unavailable.
• Different Proteins: Ground turkey or beef can replace chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for canned white beans and use vegetable broth/base.
• Adjust Consistency: Add more broth for a thinner chili or simmer longer for thicker consistency.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet corn, smoky paprika, and chili spices balance the tangy lime and creamy sour cream.
• Texture: Juicy ground chicken with tender corn kernels in a creamy chili base.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (approx. 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 332 kcal
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free; can be adapted to vegetarian or dairy-free diets.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chili can be prepared a day in advance; flavors improve overnight.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Use 4 1/2–6 cups drained canned corn.

2. How spicy is this chili?
Adjust jalapenos and hot sauce to taste. Removing seeds reduces heat significantly.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook sautéed aromatics and chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4–5 hours, adding corn in the last hour.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop, adding broth if necessary.

5. Can I substitute ground turkey or beef?
Absolutely. Adjust cooking times slightly if using beef or turkey.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep veggies	10 min	Dice onions, jalapenos, cut corn kernels
Sauté vegetables	7–9 min	Softens onions & corn
Brown chicken & spices	7–9 min	Mix thoroughly
Simmer chili	25–30 min	Thickens and blends flavors
Finish & serve	5–10 min	Add sour cream, cilantro, lime juice

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in bowls topped with crumbled cotija cheese and lime wedges.
• Pair with warm cornbread, garlic bread, or tortilla chips.
• Garnish with extra cilantro for color and freshness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Street Corn Chicken Chili: Add extra jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
2. Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for creamy, melty goodness.
3. Bean & Corn Chili: Add black beans or kidney beans for extra fiber and protein.
4. Smoky Chipotle Chili: Add chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor profile.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Corn: Fresh, sweet corn gives authentic street corn flavor. Can be replaced with frozen or canned.
• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that soaks up spices; can be swapped for turkey, beef, or beans.
• Chili Powder & Paprika: Provide warmth, smokiness, and depth to the chili base.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook chicken until just browned; simmering with broth finishes cooking and keeps it tender.
• Add sour cream off-heat or at low heat to avoid curdling.
• Toast spices lightly in the pot before adding chicken for maximum aroma.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Up to 3 months. Reheat gently; add broth to maintain creaminess.
• Toppings: Keep cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime wedges separate until serving.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	332 kcal
Protein	27 g
Carbohydrates	27 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Cholesterol	90 mg
Sodium	850 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, can be adapted for vegetarian or dairy-free diets.

Expanded Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Chili is an exciting fusion of flavors that elevates classic chili to a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy delight. Its vibrant colors, fresh herbs, and bold seasoning make it a perfect centerpiece for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with beans, cheese, or extra heat, this chili is guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Try it today, garnish it creatively, and enjoy a bowl of comfort with a twist of Mexican street corn flair.

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