This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is a creamy, zesty twist on the classic white chicken chili—packed with bold Latin-inspired flavors. Infused with the sweet smokiness of roasted street corn and spiced up with jalapeño, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, this hearty dish brings together comfort and flavor in one delicious bowl.
Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or game day gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🌽 Sweet & Smoky Base: Inspired by Mexican street corn, it brings a unique depth of flavor.
- 🍗 Creamy & Hearty: Sour cream and cheese give it a rich, velvety texture without being heavy.
- 🌶️ Just the Right Kick: Jalapeños and chili powder add warmth without overpowering the palate.
- 🥣 Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—ready in under an hour.
- 🧀 Top It Off: Cotija, avocado, bacon, and lime make every bite customizable and exciting.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Chili:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
- 1 jalapeño , diced (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 2 cups frozen sweet white corn (or canned, drained and rinsed if using canned)
- 1½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1 lime , juiced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro , chopped
To Thicken:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Bacon crumbles
- Crushed tortilla strips
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat . Add 1 tablespoon olive oil .
Add the chopped yellow onion and diced jalapeño . Sauté for 3–4 minutes , until the onion becomes translucent and slightly softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Spices
Stir in the minced garlic , oregano , and chili powder . Cook for another 1 minute , stirring constantly to release their aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes , or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board or plate.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces . Set aside.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in the sour cream , Monterey Jack cheese , frozen corn , and chopped cilantro .
Stir gently until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into the mixture.
Let the chili simmer for 5–7 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Thicken the Chili
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the chili while stirring constantly.
Continue to cook uncovered for 10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the chili reaches your desired thickness.
Step 7: Finish with Lime Juice
Once thickened, stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the dish and balance the richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or chili powder.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with any of the following:
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Creamy avocado slices or guacamole
- Extra lime wedges and cilantro
Tips for Success:
- 🍋 Use Fresh Lime: For the best brightness and flavor, always use freshly squeezed juice.
- 🧄 Roast the Garlic: For deeper flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the chili.
- 🌶️ Adjust Heat Level: Remove the seeds from the jalapeño for milder heat or add extra for spice lovers.
- 🥛 Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sour cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
- 📦 Meal Prep Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread for dipping.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Make it a full street-style experience with all the toppings!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~6g
This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili brings together the comforting warmth of chili with the vibrant flavors of street corn for a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or prepping for the week ahead, it’s a flavorful, satisfying way to enjoy something new and exciting.
So grab your spoon and dig in—you won’t be disappointed!
