Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the creamy essence of Mexican street corn and the heartiness of white chicken chili. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. With its vibrant colors and comforting taste, Street Corn Chicken Chili is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Base
- For Flavoring
- For the Broth
- For Creaminess and Freshness
- Optional Toppings
- How to Make Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Step 3: Combine Broth Ingredients
- Step 4: Final Touches
- How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Pair with Tasty Accompaniments
- Create a Chili Bar
- How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?
- Can I make this chili ahead of time?
- How can I customize my Street Corn Chicken Chili?
- What toppings go well with this chili?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of spices, fresh corn, and creamy ingredients creates a unique taste that stands out.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your choice of toppings like cilantro or crumbled cheese to elevate the dish to your liking.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this chili is both filling and healthy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later use.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Street Corn Chicken Chili requires just a few essential tools. These will help you create this delicious dish without hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking all ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: Essential for dicing onions, peppers, and garlic; a sharp knife makes prep work much easier.

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!
For the Base
- 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
For Flavoring
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
For the Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup your favorite beef broth (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)
For Creaminess and Freshness
- 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 Vegetables
Start by heating the large soup pot over medium heat. Add olive oil along with diced onion, jalapeño peppers, corn kernels, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes while stirring occasionally until softened.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add minced garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, along with additional kosher salt and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes. Make sure to stir often while breaking apart the chicken with your spatula.
Step 3: Combine Broth Ingredients
Pour in chicken broth along with beef broth if using. Add chicken base as well. Once mixed thoroughly, bring everything to a boil. After boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touches
Stir in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste your chili before serving; feel free to adjust seasoning with more chili powder or kosher salt if desired.
Serve warm with optional toppings like more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, extra chili powder for spice, or fresh lime wedges on the side! Enjoy your delicious Street Corn Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your chili experience.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: Add crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy, salty contrast.
Pair with Tasty Accompaniments
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the chili perfectly.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips for dipping and added crunch.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide a rich texture against the chili.
Create a Chili Bar
- Toppings Station: Set up a toppings station with options like jalapenos, hot sauce, and sour cream for guests to customize their bowls.
- Side Salads: Offer simple green salads or Mexican street corn salad as refreshing sides.
How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili
Achieving the best flavor and texture in your Street Corn Chicken Chili is all about technique and ingredient choices. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your dish.
- Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste buds.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor. If not available, frozen corn works well too.
- Simmer longer: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavors. Just ensure it doesn’t dry out by checking liquid levels.
- Taste as you go: Regularly taste your chili during cooking. Adjust salt and spice levels based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with Street Corn Chicken Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and complements the flavors of the chili beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice makes a great base and absorbs the delicious chili broth.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal veggies provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with chili.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas offer gooey goodness that balances well with the heat of the chili.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can add freshness and cut through the richness of the dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as an alternative base, soaking up all those tasty flavors from the chili.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, making it a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Street Corn Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality chicken or canned ingredients can affect the flavor. Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible.
Overcooking the corn: Cooking corn for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Add it toward the beginning but keep an eye on it while cooking.
Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone’s taste for spice varies. Start with less chili powder and hot sauce, then adjust to your preference.
Skipping garnishes: Toppings like cilantro and lime add brightness. Don’t skip them! They enhance the overall flavor of the chili.
Rushing the simmering time: Allowing the chili to simmer fully helps develop flavors. Be patient and give it the time it needs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Good for up to 3 months if properly stored.
Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. This may take about 3-5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through, usually around 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Street Corn Chicken Chili:
What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delicious blend of white chicken chili and Mexican street corn flavors, offering a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Street Corn Chicken Chili ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
How can I customize my Street Corn Chicken Chili?
Feel free to adjust spices, add more vegetables like bell peppers, or include beans for extra protein and fiber!
What toppings go well with this chili?
Toppings such as chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, avocado slices, or lime wedges complement the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting dish that brings together wonderful flavors!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Street Corn Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a vibrant and hearty dish that beautifully marries the rich flavors of creamy Mexican street corn with the satisfying comfort of white chicken chili. This one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy family dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. The delightful combination of spices, fresh corn, and tender chicken creates a flavorful experience that everyone will love. With the option to customize toppings, this chili is not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 diced onion
- 3 to 4 diced jalapeño peppers
- 6 to 8 ears of corn (kernels removed)
- 6 to 8 cloves minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, jalapeños, corn kernels, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 7 to 9 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and ground chicken, seasoning with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes while breaking apart the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Finally, mix in hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg