Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Street Corn Chicken Chili is the perfect marriage of comforting chili and the bold, creamy flavors of Mexican-style street corn. This dish delivers warmth, richness, and a subtle smoky heat in every spoonful. I love how it manages to feel hearty without being heavy, making it ideal for both cozy winter nights and casual gatherings year-round. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, warm spices, and a creamy broth creates a chili that feels indulgent yet balanced.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can prepare it on the stovetop, adjust the spice level easily, and customize the toppings to suit your preferences. I tested this recipe with both fresh and frozen corn, and both worked beautifully, which makes it practical no matter the season. Whether you are serving family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleasing one-pot meal, this Street Corn Chicken Chili delivers consistent, satisfying results every time.
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Street Corn Chicken Chili (Creamy, Comforting, and Boldly Flavored)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy, comforting chili inspired by Mexican street corn, made with tender chicken, sweet corn, green chilies, and warm spices, finished with lime and cheese for bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add corn, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk and cream cheese, mixing until fully melted and creamy.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish with lime juice, cilantro, and shredded cheese. Stir well and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This chili thickens more as it cools.
- Serve with tortilla chips or warm crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides lean protein and absorbs the flavors of the chili exceptionally well. As it simmers, the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred, giving the chili its hearty texture.
Sweet corn
Corn is the star of this recipe, bringing natural sweetness and a slight crunch. It echoes the classic street corn flavor and balances the savory spices beautifully.
Yellow onion
Onion forms the aromatic base of the chili. When sautéed, it adds depth and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds warmth and complexity. It is essential for building a savory backbone in the chili.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth creates a rich, savory base while keeping the chili lighter than cream-only soups. It allows the spices and corn to shine.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is responsible for the chili’s signature creamy texture. It melts smoothly into the broth, creating a luxurious consistency.
Sour cream
Sour cream adds tanginess and rounds out the richness. It also mimics the classic toppings found on street corn.
Chili powder
Chili powder provides gentle heat and earthy flavor without overpowering the dish.
Ground cumin
Cumin adds warmth and a slightly smoky undertone that complements the corn and chicken.
Smoked paprika
Smoked paprika enhances the street corn inspiration by adding subtle smokiness.
Salt and black pepper
These seasonings balance and sharpen all the flavors in the chili.
Lime juice
Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess.
Fresh cilantro
Cilantro adds freshness and a final herbal note that ties everything together.
Directions
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil, then sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the chicken breast directly to the pot, followed by chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Add the corn and allow the chili to simmer gently so the flavors meld together. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Follow with the sour cream, stirring until the chili is smooth and creamy.
Finish by adding fresh lime juice and adjusting seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 35 minutes, making the total time around 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the chili thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
This Street Corn Chicken Chili is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chili powder and focus on cumin and paprika for flavor.
You can also substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer richer, juicier meat. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream without sacrificing creaminess. I tested this with Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and it added a pleasant tang while keeping the texture smooth.
Vegetable additions work well too. Diced bell peppers or zucchini can be added with the corn for extra color and nutrients. For a thicker chili, mash a portion of the corn before adding it to the pot.
Toppings are another way to customize. Crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, or extra cilantro elevate each bowl. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Low and slow simmering
Allowing the chili to simmer gently improves flavor depth and prevents the dairy from separating.
Balance acidity carefully
Always add lime juice at the end to maintain brightness without curdling the cream.
Control thickness
Adjust consistency easily by adding broth or simmering uncovered for a thicker texture.
Season in layers
Season at multiple stages to ensure balanced flavor throughout the dish.
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze without toppings for up to 2 months.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, add it after the broth step to avoid overcooking.
Is this chili spicy?
It is mildly spiced, but you can easily adjust the heat level.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.
What corn works best?
Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well.
Can I use an Instant Pot?
Yes, pressure cook the chicken first, then add dairy after.
How do I thicken the chili?
Simmer uncovered or add more cream cheese.
What toppings pair well?
Cilantro, avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips are excellent.
Can I add beans?
Yes, white beans are a great addition for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
Street Corn Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together creamy texture and bold seasoning in one satisfying bowl. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a reliable recipe for any occasion. Whether served fresh or reheated the next day, it remains rich, balanced, and deeply enjoyable.
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