Welcome to a cozy culinary adventure with Street Corn Chicken Chili! This flavorful and easy-to-make recipe combines the comforting essence of white chicken chili with the vibrant zest of Mexican street corn, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Imagine sitting down with a warm bowl of chili that showcases tender chicken, sweet corn, and aromatic spices, enveloped in a savory broth that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for bustling weeknight dinners or laid-back gatherings with friends and family, this chili offers a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe for Street Corn Chicken Chili is all about comfort food at its finest. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing, thanks to the addition of fresh corn and cilantro. Plus, the optional beer adds an extra layer of depth to the flavor profile, making it even more enticing. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with an array of toppings, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Chili

Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of ground chicken and sweet corn creates a filling yet comforting meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Flavor Fusion: The blend of spices, heat from jalapeños, and zesty garnishes bring this chili to life.
Customizable: Top it with your favorites like cotija cheese, lime, or extra cilantro!
Ideal for Gatherings: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this chili is always a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on making this Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by ensuring you have a large soup pot or Dutch oven, as this dish requires ample space for the ingredients to meld together. A sharp knife will be necessary for dicing the onions and jalapeños, and a cutting board will make your prep work easier. Additionally, have measuring spoons and cups ready, as precision will help achieve the best flavor balance.

To make your cooking experience seamless, consider organizing your ingredients beforehand. Dice the onions and jalapeños, mince the garlic, and cut the corn kernels off the cob. This not only saves time but also allows for a more efficient cooking process. Remember to keep your spices within reach, as you’ll be adding them at various points during cooking. By setting up your workspace nicely, you can focus on perfecting this delightful recipe without any distractions.

Ingredients

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 the 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 beer (optional)
1 tablespoon chicken base (such as 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: Additional cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder, lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin your chili by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and jalapeños, stirring them together. These vegetables will serve as the aromatic foundation of your dish. After a few minutes, toss in the corn kernels along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Add Spices

Next, add the minced garlic and ground chicken to the pot. Use a spatula to break the chicken apart as it cooks. Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and more salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavor really starts to develop, as the spices meld with the chicken. Continue cooking for another 7-9 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, ensuring it’s no longer pink.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Beer

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the liquids. Pour in the chicken broth and, if you’re using beer, add that too. Stir in a tablespoon of chicken base, which will help deepen the savory flavor. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium-low, allowing it to simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes. This simmering stage is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients

After the chili has simmered, stir in your hot sauce, sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, and lime juice. These final ingredients will add a burst of freshness and richness to the chili, enhancing its flavor profile significantly. Allow the chili to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, giving everything a chance to marry and deepen in taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the chili is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking. Ladle generous portions into bowls and elevate the dish with your favorite garnishes: sprinkle additional cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and lime wedges over each bowl for an extra touch of zest and flavor.

Variations

Protein: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and texture.
Spices: Experiment with adding chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

Cooking Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Make it spicier by including more jalapeños or a hotter variety of peppers like serranos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips on the side for a satisfying crunch.
Pair with a light salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.

Tips

Prepare your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Adjust the level of heat by controlling the number of jalapeños and hot sauce you add.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: About 28g
Sodium: Approximately 650mg

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Street Corn Chicken Chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as needed.

Can I freeze leftover chili?

Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

What can I use instead of beer in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use beer, simply add more chicken broth or use a splash of water with a tablespoon of vinegar for a bit of acidity.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To reduce heat, be sure to remove all seeds from the jalapeños and use only a small amount of hot sauce. For more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or experiment with different spicy peppers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that combines heartiness with a touch of fresh and zesty flavors. Ideal for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to lively gatherings—this chili encompasses everything we love about comfort food. Give this easy recipe a try, and feel free to play around with the toppings and variations to make it your own. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments or on social media, as your friends and family will surely want to join in on the delicious fun!