Create a Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Chili for Your Dinner Party

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of homemade chili to warm you up. But this Street Corn Chicken Chili takes the classic dish to a whole new level by infusing it with the incredible flavors of smoky roasted corn and a touch of Southwestern flair. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of spices, juicy chicken, and vibrant veggies – this recipe is about to become a new family favorite!

Table of Contents

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients

• 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 and black pepper, to taste
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground chicken

Spices & Flavor

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin

Liquids

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
• A few dashes hot sauce of choice

Finishing & Garnish

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• Optional toppings: more cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, lime wedges

Preparation Steps

Cooking Techniques

The key to developing rich, complex flavors in this Street Corn Chicken Chili is to sauté the onions and jalapenos until softened. This allows the natural sugars to caramelize and the spices to toast, creating a foundation of mouthwatering aromas. When handling the jalapenos, be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly afterward to avoid any unwanted heat on your skin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and jalapenos, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add corn kernels and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked.

4. Stir in chili powder, paprika, and cumin; cook 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.

5. Pour in chicken broth, chicken base, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.

7. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like extra cilantro, cotija cheese, chili powder, or lime wedges.

Flavor Profile and Nutritional Benefits

Flavor Profile

This Street Corn Chicken Chili strikes a delightful balance between spicy, sweet, and savory. The smoky, charred notes from the roasted corn kernels complement the bold chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Meanwhile, the jalapenos add a subtle kick of heat that’s tempered by the creamy sour cream and fresh cilantro. The result is a complex, crave-worthy chili that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Nutritional Benefits

Choosing ground chicken over beef in this recipe not only lightens up the dish, but also provides a lean source of protein. Additionally, the corn, jalapenos, and cilantro offer a nutritional boost with their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This Street Corn Chicken Chili is a well-balanced meal that’s both comforting and good for you.

Tips for Making the Best Street Corn Chicken Chili

Cooking Tips

For the best flavor, be sure to use fresh, in-season corn on the cob. The natural sweetness will shine through and complement the other ingredients perfectly. If you’re short on time or corn isn’t in season, you can substitute frozen or canned corn kernels, but the flavor won’t be quite as robust. And don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your personal preference – add more or less jalapenos or hot sauce to achieve your desired level of heat.

Storage Tips

Leftover Street Corn Chicken Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Vegan Chili with Black Beans
• Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
• Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo
• Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso

FAQs about Street Corn Chicken Chili

What ingredients are essential for making Street Corn Chicken Chili?

The essential ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Chili are ground chicken, corn on the cob, onions, jalapenos, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. These ingredients come together to create the signature flavor profile of this dish.

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make Street Corn Chicken Chili in a slow cooker, simply sauté the onions and jalapenos in a skillet first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring in the sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice at the end.

How spicy is Street Corn Chicken Chili, and can I adjust the heat?

The level of spiciness in Street Corn Chicken Chili can be adjusted to your personal preference. The recipe as written uses 3-4 jalapeno peppers, which gives the chili a moderate level of heat. If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer jalapenos or omit them entirely. Conversely, you can increase the amount of jalapenos or add extra hot sauce to make it spicier.

What are the best toppings to serve with Street Corn Chicken Chili?

Some delicious topping options for Street Corn Chicken Chili include: extra chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh lime wedges. These garnishes help to brighten the flavors and add contrasting textures to the dish.

Conclusion

Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant, irresistible flavors of Street Corn Chicken Chili! This recipe is a comforting and satisfying way to enjoy the best of Southwestern cuisine. Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So grab your spoon and dig into this delicious bowl of chili – your taste buds will thank you!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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