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Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe

4.5 from 80 reviews

This flavorful Street Corn Chicken Chili combines the sweetness of fresh corn with tender ground chicken and a blend of smoky spices. Enhanced with jalapenos for a mild kick, creamy sour cream, and fresh cilantro and lime for brightness, this hearty chili offers a unique twist on traditional chili recipes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base 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 & Broth

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
  • A few dashes hot sauce of choice

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice

Optional Toppings

  • More cilantro
  • Crumbled cotija cheese
  • Chili powder
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables: Set a large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced onion, diced jalapenos, corn kernels, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for 7 to 9 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
  2. 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 another 7 to 9 minutes, breaking apart the chicken with a spatula as it browns and combines with the aromatics.
  3. Add Liquids & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken base, stirring to combine. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  4. Finish the Chili: Stir in the hot sauce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring gently until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with chili powder, salt, or pepper as desired.
  5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and lime wedges if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to control the heat level.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef.
  • Optional toppings add authenticity and extra flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • To keep it gluten-free, ensure the chicken base and hot sauce are certified gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: street corn chili, chicken chili, ground chicken recipe, corn chili, easy chili recipe, stovetop chili, spicy chicken chili