Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the comforting essence of white chicken chili with the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and a medley of spices, making it a delicious and satisfying meal any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this meal in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions; it impresses every time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoyed with family and friends.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing Street Corn Chicken Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for making large batches without splatter, ensuring even cooking.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spatula: Gentle on your pot’s surface while effectively mixing the chili.

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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:

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 the Flavor

• 6 to 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin

For the Liquid

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup your favorite beef broth (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)

For Finishing Touches

• 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 Vegetables

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

Step 2: Brown Chicken

Add the garlic, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, cumin, more kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently to break apart the chicken until it is browned thoroughly.

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 heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

After simmering, stir in hot sauce, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Let it cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more chili powder or salt if needed. Serve warm with optional toppings like cilantro or lime wedges.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides. The flavors can be enhanced by serving it with fresh ingredients and crunchy textures.

Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Sprinkle more chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal note.
• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: Add crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy, salty finish.
• Chili Powder: A dash of chili powder can enhance the spice level and flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Accompanying Dishes

• Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are perfect for dipping into the chili.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the chili’s savory flavors beautifully.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance to the dish.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Chili

Achieving the best flavor and texture in your Street Corn Chicken Chili requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh corn: Fresh corn kernels provide a sweet crunch that canned corn cannot match.
• Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go; adjust jalapenos and hot sauce according to your preference.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the chili to simmer will deepen the flavors; consider simmering for an extra 10 minutes.
• Experiment with broth types: Mixing chicken broth with beef broth can add depth, but stick with chicken broth for a lighter taste.
• Incorporate different garnishes: Try adding diced green onions or avocado for varied textures and flavors.

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 great options:

1. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with spicy chili.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make an excellent dipper or snack alongside the chili.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with spices complements the chili nicely.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances out the spiciness of the chili.
5. Garden Salad: A light salad provides freshness and can be dressed simply with lime vinaigrette.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add a smoky flavor that complements the chili well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Street Corn Chicken Chili. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure you cook the ground chicken just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can make it dry and chewy.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season at each step can lead to bland chili. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or chili powder.
• Ignoring the Broth Quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor. Opt for a flavorful chicken broth or homemade version for best results.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs enhance the dish significantly. Avoid using canned corn and dried herbs if possible.
• Neglecting Toppings: Toppings like cilantro and lime provide fresh flavor contrasts. Don’t skip them; they are essential to the chili experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Street Corn Chicken Chili:

What is Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Street Corn Chicken Chili is a delicious blend of flavors from traditional white chicken chili and Mexican street corn, offering a hearty meal in one pot.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or beef can be substituted for ground chicken if preferred.

How spicy is this chili?

The spiciness level depends on the jalapeños you use. For milder chili, remove all seeds before dicing the peppers.

What toppings go well with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and additional chili powder enhance flavors beautifully.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead allows flavors to meld even more. Store it in the refrigerator or freeze as directed.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Chicken Chili is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite beans or vegetables for added nutrition. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!