Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe – Flavorful & Easy

Why Make This Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Chili brings together the best of two cultures—Mexican street corn and hearty chicken chili. This unique dish is perfect for those who love rich and comforting meals that are both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this chili hits the spot every time. The combination of ground chicken, fresh corn, and spices creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh corn, especially during the summer months when it’s at its peak.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili

Making Street Corn Chicken Chili is a straightforward process. The entire meal can be prepared in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love!

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
• Additional cilantro for garnish
• Crumbled cotija cheese for garnish
• Extra chili powder for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeños, stirring occasionally. After 2-3 minutes, toss in the corn kernels along with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Cook for about 7-9 minutes until the vegetables soften. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the delicious chili that’s about to follow.

Cook the Chicken and Add Spices

Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and ground chicken to the pot. Use a spatula to break up the chicken as it cooks. Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 7-9 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.

Simmer with Broth and Beer

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the beer if you’re using it (this adds a nice depth of flavor). Stir in the chicken base to enhance the broth’s taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the chili to simmer for 25-30 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish.

Add Final Ingredients

After simmering, it’s time to add the final touch to your chili. Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce (to taste), sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to let these flavors shine through. The sour cream will bring a smooth creaminess that balances the heat from the jalapeños and spices.

Serve and Garnish

Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and lime wedges. A sprinkle of extra chili powder on top adds a nice finishing touch. Serve your Street Corn Chicken Chili warm and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is best served hot straight from the pot. You can pair it with a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Cornbread: A warm piece of cornbread complements the chili beautifully.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful contrast to the creamy chili.
3. Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling option.
4. Salad: A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the chili.
5. Drinks: Pair your chili with refreshing beverages like iced tea, sweet lemonade, or even a light beer.

Feel free to set up a toppings bar where friends and family can customize their bowls with extra jalapeños, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges!

How to Store Street Corn Chicken Chili

If you have leftovers, storing your Street Corn Chicken Chili is simple. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring there’s some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.

Tips to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili

1. Fresh Corn: Use fresh corn when it’s in season for the best flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works well too.
2. Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce according to your heat preference. If you like spicier food, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
3. Meat Alternatives: If you want to make this chili vegetarian, you can substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based meat alternative or use beans.
4. Zest it Up: For an extra burst of flavor, add the zest of one lime before serving.
5. Herb Variations: While cilantro is traditional, feel free to experiment with fresh parsley or green onions for a different flavor.
6. Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker chili, consider adding a handful of crushed tortilla chips during the simmering stage.

Variations

Street Corn Chicken Chili can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Creamy Version: For a richer chili, add a block of cream cheese while it simmers, allowing it to melt into the chili.
2. Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes.
3. Black Bean Chili: Mix in black beans for added protein and fiber. This is especially great if you’re looking to cut back on meat.
4. Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the ingredients in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth and beer, and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Taco Version: Transform this chili into a taco filling by using it inside soft or hard taco shells, topped with your favorite taco fixings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I make Street Corn Chicken Chili in advance?

Absolutely! This chili is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat it as needed.

2. How hot is this chili?

The spiciness of the chili can be adjusted based on the number of jalapeños and the amount of hot sauce you add. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the jalapeños or deseed them.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chili. Just make sure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. What can I serve with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also set up a toppings bar for added fun!

5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground chicken for a plant-based meat alternative or use beans as your main protein to make this chili vegetarian-friendly.

Street Corn Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that combines heartiness with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s quick to make and sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful dish any night of the week!

Print