Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili combines the creamy, savory goodness of white chicken chili with the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote). With tender chicken, sweet corn, tangy lime, and a touch of chili powder, this hearty chili is packed with flavors that make it a satisfying meal. Perfect for cozy nights or a gathering with friends, it’s a unique twist on the classic chili!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and shredded
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 2 cups frozen corn)
  • 1 cup roasted corn (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mexican Street Corn Topping (Elote):

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or roasted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1.  Prepare the Street Corn Topping:

    • Cook the Corn:
      In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the corn is lightly browned and slightly charred. If you’re using roasted corn, you can skip this step.
    • Make the Topping:
      In a small bowl, mix the sautéed corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.

    2. Make the Chili:

    • Cook the Chicken:
      In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
    • Add the Chicken and Broth:
      Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, and white beans. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
    • Simmer the Chili:
      Let the chili simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the chili is too thick, add more chicken broth or a little water to reach your desired consistency.
    • Finish the Chili:
      Stir in the corn (both the regular and roasted, if using) and the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through. Add the lime juice and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice as needed.

    3. Serve the Chili:

    • Ladle the chili into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the Mexican street corn mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook the chicken in advance and shred it. To cook, poach the chicken in water or broth until fully cooked, then shred it with two forks.
  • Make-Ahead: The chili can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
  • Freezing: This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool it completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop and add a little extra cream if it thickens too much upon reheating.
  • Spicy: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to your preferred heat level. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a couple of dashes of hot sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/8th of the recipe)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg