Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the rich taste of white chicken chili with the vibrant essence of Mexican street corn. This hearty one-pot dish is perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or when you need a comforting meal after a long day. With its creamy texture and zesty notes from lime and jalapeño, this chili will warm you up while tantalizing your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a chili bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as is or top with cilantro, cheese, or lime wedges for added flair.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves up to 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make Street Corn Chicken Chili, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A must-have for cooking chili; it allows even heat distribution and ample space for all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring spices and other ingredients for consistent flavor in every batch.

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Ingredients

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a mix between white chicken chili recipe and Mexican street corn, delicious flavors for a perfect one pot dish!

Ingredients:
– 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, pepper
– 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 beef broth (optional)
– 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used 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

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients

Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeños, corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture

Add the garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, more kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Stir frequently while breaking apart the chicken with a spatula.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the chicken broth along with beef broth if using. Add the chicken base. Bring everything to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. Afterward, add hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste your chili for seasoning adjustments. Add more chili powder, kosher salt, or pepper as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder, or lime wedges if desired.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Serving Street Corn Chicken Chili is an opportunity to get creative and elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its rich flavors and textures.

Toppings

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty flavor that complements the chili well.
• Chili Powder: A dash can intensify the flavor and add a bit more spice.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your bowl for a zesty kick.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances the spicy chili perfectly.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for dipping into the chili or enjoying on the side.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and smoothness to each bite.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

Perfecting your Street Corn Chicken Chili can take this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact. Consider adjusting the amounts based on your taste preferences.
• Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall taste of the chili.
• Corn Freshness: Use fresh corn when in season. It adds sweetness and crunch that frozen corn may lack.
• Simmer Time: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavors. The longer it cooks, the better it gets!
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your chili while cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes an excellent base for the chili.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add a smoky element that complements the dish.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served alongside offers a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
4. Salad Verde: A light green salad with lime vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice create a hearty addition to your meal.
6. Sautéed Greens: Garlic sautéed greens like spinach or kale provide nutrition and balance out the richness of the chili.
7. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes make a filling companion, perfect for soaking up extra chili sauce.
8. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas offer a comforting crunch that pairs beautifully with every spoonful of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the ground chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for just enough time to cook it through without overdoing it.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting jalapeno quantity could lead to a dish that’s either too spicy or not flavorful enough. Start with fewer jalapenos and add more as needed.
• Forgetting the Broth: Skipping broth can result in a dry chili. Always include chicken broth for moisture and flavor.
• Underseasoning: A bland chili is disappointing. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to achieve the best flavor.
• Neglecting Toppings: Toppings enhance the dish’s appeal. Don’t skip out on adding cilantro, lime, or cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally, until hot—around 2-3 minutes on high.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Street Corn Chicken Chili special?

Street Corn Chicken Chili combines traditional white chicken chili flavors with sweet corn and spices inspired by Mexican street corn, creating a unique taste experience.

Can I customize the spice level in Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can adjust the number of jalapenos or even replace them with milder peppers if you prefer less heat.

Is there a vegetarian version of Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken with plant-based meat alternatives or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I make Street Corn Chicken Chili thicker?

To thicken your chili, simmer it longer without a lid or add a little cornstarch mixed with water during cooking.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes! Frozen corn works well if fresh corn isn’t available. Just add it directly into the pot without thawing.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt its ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try customizing it with different toppings or spices for a unique twist each time!