We’re excited to share our Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe! This delightful dish combines the comforting essence of a classic white chicken chili with the bright, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this chili is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 60 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite garnishes like avocado slices or tortilla chips.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fresh corn, this chili is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its bold taste and creamy texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make everything easier. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience and ensure that your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering large quantities while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for uniform cooking and presentation.
- Tongs: Perfect for handling hot chicken without burning your hands.

Ingredients
For this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 7 ounces chopped green chiles (mild or medium)
- 4 cups fresh corn cut off the cob (about 4-5 cobs)
Creamy Elements
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Thickening Agent & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper
Possible Garnishes
- More cilantro or shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil along with the chopped onions. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes to let those flavors blend.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the whole boneless skinless chicken breasts and chopped green chiles. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare Corn
While the chicken simmers, cut the corn off the cobs and set aside for later use.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Add in the corn and stir well. Afterward, chop or shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the pot.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Stir in sour cream and shredded pepper jack cheese into your chili mixture. As you do this, sprinkle cornstarch over the top while stirring rapidly to avoid clumps forming.
Step 6: Finalize & Serve
Simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes until your chili base thickens up nicely. Turn off the heat and mix in fresh lime juice before serving hot. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like more cilantro or tortilla chips.
Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Serving your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful experience that enhances its zesty flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal touch.
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the chili’s spice and adds richness.
- Shredded Cheese: Top with more shredded cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch and texture.
Pair with Bread or Wraps
- Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread balances the chili’s heat perfectly.
- Tortillas: Warm tortillas can be used to scoop up the chili, making it fun and interactive.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili is truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Spices: Adjust spices like cayenne pepper to match your heat preference for a personalized kick.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn off the cob delivers superior taste compared to frozen or canned options.
- Shred Chicken Thoroughly: Shredding chicken finely ensures it mixes well with the chili, enhancing overall texture.
- Slow Simmering: Allow the chili to simmer longer if time permits; this deepens flavors beautifully.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your chili during cooking; adjust seasoning for the best balance of flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
Complement your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and cilantro pairs excellently with chili.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds coolness and flavor contrast to spicy chili.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and freshness, perfect for balancing rich flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies can add depth and smokiness, enhancing the meal.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with cheese, lime, and spices echoes flavors from the chili.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy fries topped with melted cheese provide a hearty side that’s sure to please.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are easy to share and add a comforting element to the meal.
- Salad Verde: A light green salad with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to rich chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chili properly can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Aim for just cooked through, then shred or chop it for the best texture.
- Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the flavor significantly. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth or make your own for better taste.
- Not letting flavors meld: Skipping the simmer time may result in a less flavorful dish. Allowing the chili to simmer helps all the ingredients blend beautifully.
- Forgetting garnishes: Neglecting to add garnishes can miss out on enhancing both flavor and presentation. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or cheese for an extra boost.
- Using frozen corn: While convenient, frozen corn can lack the fresh taste of corn off the cob. Use fresh corn whenever possible for a sweet burst of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The chili will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This chili freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding this flavorful recipe:
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare this chili ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting as flavors meld together!
What toppings go well with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe?
Consider adding avocado slices, more cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese for a delightful finish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of jalapeno or cayenne pepper used. Feel free to customize it based on your heat preference.
Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef if you prefer something other than chicken.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace chicken with beans like black beans or pinto beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe is a wonderful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. It’s versatile and perfect for customization; you can easily add different toppings or adjust spices according to your taste. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili
Experience the vibrant flavors of our Mexican Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe! This dish effortlessly marries the comforting essence of a classic white chicken chili with the bright, zesty notes of elote, or Mexican street corn. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s not only rich in flavor but also simple to prepare—ready in just 60 minutes. Each spoonful is a hearty meal that combines tender chicken, fresh corn, and a creamy texture that will delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with your favorite garnishes, this chili is sure to impress everyone at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 7 ounces chopped green chiles (mild or medium)
- 4 cups fresh corn cut off the cob (about 4–5 cobs)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until softened. Add garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, oregano, and cayenne; sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add whole chicken breasts and green chiles. Season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cut fresh corn off the cobs while chicken simmers. Remove cooked chicken from pot, shred it, and return to pot along with corn.
- Stir in sour cream and shredded cheese; add cornstarch while stirring to avoid clumps.
- Simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes until thickened. Mix in lime juice before serving hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg



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