Description
This vibrant and hearty Street Corn Chicken Chili blends tender chicken with the sweet sweetness of corn, creamy white beans, and a kick of green chilies, all simmered in a smoky tomato broth. Topped with tangy cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime juice, it’s a comforting yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1/2 cup roasted corn kernels (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and diced green chilies; cook for another minute to release their aroma.
- Add beans, corn, and tomatoes: Stir in the white beans, canned corn, and roasted corn kernels if using. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Add ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the spices.
- Simmer chili: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Add final toppings: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro, blending them smoothly into the chili.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, optionally topped with extra cheese or tortilla strips for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sauté step.
- Using rotisserie chicken can cut down on prep time significantly.
- This chili works great as a meal prep option and freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the sour cream and cheese quantities to suit dietary preferences or to reduce fat content.
- Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg