Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, then you’ve found it in this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This recipe is a favorite in my home because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights or during family gatherings. Plus, who doesn’t love a bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug?

Every spoonful of this chili is bursting with zesty goodness, making it an ideal alternative to traditional beef chili. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, I promise this will quickly become your new go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the creamy texture and delightful flavors—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead friendly: This chili keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Versatile toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for added crunch and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

For the Chili

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 4 cups chicken bone broth
• 1.5 cups sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and mild cheddar)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups frozen sweet white corn
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

For Thickening

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

For Serving

• Olive oil
• Cotija cheese (optional)
• Bacon crumbles (optional)
• Tortilla strips (optional)
• Sliced avocado (optional)

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun variations to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey instead of raw chicken breasts for an even quicker option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce!
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans or chickpeas to create a hearty plant-based version.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot on medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and diced jalapeño until the onion begins to soften—this brings out their sweetness! Then add minced garlic along with oregano and chili powder. Stir everything together until well combined. Next, pour in the broth, add the chicken breasts, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture

While your chili simmers away, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This mixture will help thicken our chili later on.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Combine Ingredients

When your chicken is ready, transfer it to a plate and shred it using two forks—this step makes sure every bite is tender! Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, frozen corn, and lime juice. Mix everything until fully combined! Remember to give that cornstarch mixture a good stir before adding it in so that everything thickens nicely as it simmers uncovered for another 10 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Up Your Delicious Chili

Once thickened to your liking, divide the chili between bowls. Now comes one of my favorite parts—toppings! Sprinkle over cotija cheese crumbles (if using), bacon crumbles (if you’re feeling indulgent), crispy tortilla strips for crunch, and fresh slices of avocado. Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

Making the perfect Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is all about the little details. Here are some pro tips to ensure your chili turns out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delightful!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances the flavors and textures in your chili, making every bite burst with freshness. Opt for freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, consider removing the seeds from the jalapeño or using less chili powder. This way, you can customize the spiciness to suit your taste buds without sacrificing flavor.
• Don’t skip the simmering: Allowing your chili to simmer uncovered helps thicken it and melds all the flavors beautifully. Stir occasionally and enjoy that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
• Experiment with toppings: While bacon crumbles and cotija cheese are great options, feel free to get creative! Try adding sliced radishes or a dollop of guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it ahead of time: This chili tastes even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare it in advance for an easy meal prep solution that will save you time during busy weekdays.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

Serving your Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is just as important as making it! A beautifully presented dish not only looks inviting but also enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting bowl of goodness.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: These add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the creamy chili.
• Fresh lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over each serving brightens up the dish and adds a zesty punch.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop on top provides creaminess that balances out the spices and adds richness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread is a classic accompaniment that pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Mexican rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes for a hearty side that complements the richness of your chili.
• Tortilla chips: Crispy tortilla chips not only serve as a great side but can also be used for dipping into your creamy chili—double win!
• Simple garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the dish.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with your delicious Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili! Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it store well, but the flavors also deepen and improve over time, making it a fantastic dish to prepare in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best quality, avoid storing toppings like avocado and tortilla strips in the same container.

Freezing

• Portion out the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If microwaving, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bone broth for a hearty vegetarian option.

How long does Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili last in the fridge?

This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s kept in an airtight container for optimal freshness!

Can I adjust the spice level of my Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili?

Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce or omit the jalapeno. You can also add more spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth without increasing heat.

What toppings go well with Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili?

Great toppings include cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and even a squeeze of lime juice for that zesty kick!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is wonderful for meal prep and can be stored in both the fridge and freezer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found your new favorite comfort dish in this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to whip up. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night at home or preparing meals for busy days ahead, this recipe is bound to bring smiles at your dinner table. Enjoy making it, savor every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience!