Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings the flavors of summer right into your kitchen, then this Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly combines the delightful taste of zesty Mexican street corn with the comforting warmth of hearty chicken chili. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to whip up, while still being packed full of flavor. You’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s not just delicious; it’s also a great way to use fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and sweet corn goodness, even picky eaters will love it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this chili in advance and reheat it for busy days.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a bold flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking this Street Corn Chicken Chili is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

For the Chili

• 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

Optional Toppings

• More cilantro
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Lime wedges

Variations

The beauty of this Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with canned beans (like black beans) for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spice levels: Adjust the number of jalapenos or add some cayenne pepper if you like your chili spicier!

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 along with the diced onion and jalapeño peppers. Toss in the corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cooking these vegetables for about 7 to 9 minutes softens them and lets their flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Once your veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and ground chicken. Sprinkle in your chili powder, paprika, cumin, and any additional salt and pepper needed. Cook this mixture for another 7 to 9 minutes until the chicken is browned and fragrant. Breaking apart the chicken ensures even cooking and allows all those wonderful spices to coat every bite!

Step 3: Simmering Time

Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the chicken base. Crank up the heat until everything comes to a gentle boil. After that, reduce it back down to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it thickens up your chili while allowing all those delicious flavors to deepen.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

After simmering, stir in your hot sauce (to taste), sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Let everything cook together gently for another 5 to 10 minutes until creamy. Give it a taste—this is where you can adjust seasonings if desired!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle your delicious chili into bowls and feel free to garnish with extra cilantro or crumbled cotija cheese if you’d like! A sprinkle of chili powder or a wedge of lime on top adds that final touch. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

Making this chili is a breeze, but a few insider tips can take your dish from good to absolutely fabulous!

• Use fresh corn: Fresh corn kernels add a sweet crunch that frozen or canned corn simply can’t match. If you can, grab some ears of corn at the farmer’s market for the best flavor.
• Adjust the heat: Depending on your spice preference, you can easily customize the heat level. Remove all seeds from the jalapenos for a milder chili or leave some seeds in for an extra kick!
• Let it simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors and gives it a richer taste. If you have time, letting it sit for an hour after cooking will really let those spices shine.
• Mix in different beans: For added texture and fiber, consider incorporating black beans or kidney beans. Just rinse and drain them before adding to your chili for a heartier dish.
• Save leftovers wisely: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

When it comes to serving up your Street Corn Chicken Chili, presentation is key! Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just enjoying a meal with family, here are some fun ideas to make your dish even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that beautifully contrasts with the creamy chili.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before eating brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty freshness.
• Crumbled feta cheese: While cotija cheese is traditional, feta provides a similar salty bite that complements the chili wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili goodness. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the spicy elements of your dish.
• Avocado salad: A light avocado salad with tomatoes and lime adds creaminess and balances out the heat of the chili while refreshing your palate.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are always a hit! Use them to scoop up your chili or serve them alongside as an irresistible dipping option.
• Rice or quinoa: A simple bowl of rice or quinoa helps bulk up your meal and makes it more filling, making it perfect for those hearty appetites.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress everyone at your table with this delightful Street Corn Chicken Chili! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Street Corn Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep and makes for an easy, delicious dinner throughout the week. You can store it, freeze it, and reheat it without losing any of its wonderful flavors!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep any toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the chili will expand when frozen.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version.

What can I serve with Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh side salad. You could also serve it with rice for a heartier meal!

How spicy is Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe?

The spice level depends on the number of jalapenos you use. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove their seeds completely.

Can I adjust the ingredients in Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spices or add other vegetables based on your preference. It’s versatile and forgiving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting and flavorful Street Corn Chicken Chili! It’s a special dish that combines delicious flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and enjoy every hearty spoonful!