Street Corn Chicken Chili

If you love street corn (aka elote), then this Street Corn Chicken Chili will absolutely blow your taste buds away! Imagine all the creamy, smoky, and slightly tangy goodness of traditional street corn, combined with the warmth and comfort of a hearty chili. This dish is like a cozy, flavorful hug in a bowl, bringing together tender chicken, corn, and a rich, savory broth that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether it’s chilly weather or you just want a comforting meal, this chili hits the spot, and trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you’re going to want this in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Chicken Chili

This chili isn’t just delicious—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Flavor Explosion: You’ll love how the smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors from the street corn perfectly complement the tender chicken and the warmth of the chili. It’s like your favorite street food, but in a bowl!
• Comforting and Hearty: This chili is packed with protein and veggies, making it a filling meal that’s perfect for cooler days or when you need a little extra comfort.
• Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, this recipe comes together quickly. Even beginners will feel confident making it!
• Customizable: Want to add a little spice or change things up? You can easily adjust the heat level with your favorite seasonings, peppers, or toppings. It’s a great base that allows you to get creative.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this chili is sure to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful chili:

• Chicken Breasts (or thighs): The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken provides the base for this chili and soaks up all the yummy flavors.
• Frozen or Fresh Corn: This is what brings the street corn vibes to the dish! You can use frozen corn or fresh corn kernels, whichever you prefer.
• Onion and Garlic: For that savory foundation and aromatic flavor to kick things off.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the chili that takes it to the next level.
• Chicken Broth: To create the delicious base and give the chili its perfect consistency.
• Chili Powder and Cumin: For the signature chili spices and warmth.
• Lime Juice: Adds a zesty, tangy kick to balance out the creamy richness of the chili.
• Cotija or Feta Cheese (Optional): To sprinkle on top for that authentic street corn taste.
• Fresh Cilantro (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off your bowl of chili.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this delicious chili happen!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more oil if necessary, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to building that deep flavor!

Step 3: Add the Corn & Broth

Stir in the corn and cook for a couple of minutes to let it heat up. Then, add the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken & Add the Cream Cheese

While the chili is simmering, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Once it’s shredded, add the chicken back into the pot along with the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted into the broth and everything is nice and creamy.

Step 5: Add Lime & Adjust Seasoning

Stir in the lime juice and taste the chili. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed to make it just right for your taste.

Step 6: Serve and Top It Off

Serve the chili hot, and top it with a sprinkle of cotija or feta cheese and some fresh cilantro. For an extra indulgent touch, you can add a squeeze of extra lime juice or a drizzle of sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Chili

This chili is so hearty, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a few simple sides. Here are some great ways to serve it:

• With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into this creamy chili. A baguette or sourdough would be great choices.
• With Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a bit of texture and extra flavor.
• Over Rice: Want to stretch this dish a little further? Serve the chili over a bed of white or brown rice.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh, zesty salad with a light vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the chili.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Want to add more heat? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more beans or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for a hearty veggie version.
• Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness to the chili. Just make sure to shred them once cooked.

Q2: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A2: Yes! Simply cook the chicken beforehand, shred it, and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cream cheese in the last 30 minutes to make it creamy.

Q3: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this chili can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Q4: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
A4: Yes! If you have fresh corn on the cob, you can remove the kernels and use them in place of frozen corn. Just make sure to cook the kernels until they’re tender before adding them to the chili.

Q5: Can I add beans to this chili?
A5: Of course! If you like beans in your chili, add some black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for extra fiber and protein.

Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A6: Yes, this chili freezes wonderfully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat when needed.

Q7: What can I use instead of cream cheese for a dairy-free version?
A7: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for the cream cheese.

Q8: Can I make this chili spicier?
A8: Yes, to make it spicier, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the pot.

Q9: Can I make this chili in advance?
A9: Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and serve when ready!

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this chili?
A10: Reheat the chili on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Chili is everything you crave in a comforting, flavorful bowl of goodness. It’s a perfect fusion of creamy street corn, tender chicken, and a warm, savory broth that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this chili is a total winner. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of chili that’s just as cozy as it is delicious!

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