Street Corn Chicken Chili is a flavorful, creamy chili that combines ground chicken with fresh corn kernels, aromatic spices, and a tangy finish of sour cream, cilantro, and lime. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal with a spicy kick and fresh toppings.
Total Time:1 hour 13 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables: Set a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then the diced onion, diced jalapenos, corn kernels, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add Garlic, Chicken & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and ground chicken. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and additional salt and pepper as needed. Cook for 9 minutes, using a spatula to break apart the chicken as it browns and flavors meld with the aromatics.
Add Liquids & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the chicken base. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to develop.
Finish the Chili: Stir in the hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring gently until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more chili powder, salt, or pepper if desired.
Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and lime wedges if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier chili, keep some seeds in the jalapenos or add extra hot sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
Using fresh corn on the cob adds sweetness and texture, but frozen corn can be used in a pinch.
If you want a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
Adjust sour cream quantity to your desired creaminess, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Garnish with avocado slices for added richness and texture.
