Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I peeled back the layers of flavors in my kitchen, the inviting scent of street corn wafted through the air, taking me back to bustling summer fairs. This Street Corn Chicken Chili brings that vibrant festival spirit right into your home, combining sweet corn and juicy ground chicken in a symphony of flavors. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish delivers a hearty meal that’s comforting and oh-so-simple to whip up. The creamy texture, coupled with a hint of spice, will not only tantalize your taste buds but will also impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving a warm bowl of comfort, you won’t want to miss this delightful recipe. Curious about how to make your own batch and even customize it to your taste? Let’s dive in! Why is Corn Chicken Chili a Must-Try? Creamy Comfort: This dish combines the creamy richness of sour cream with the hearty texture of chicken, delivering a bowl of warmth that feels like a hug. Flavor Fusion: Blending sweet corn with zesty lime and spices creates a taste explosion that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas, transporting you to summer street fairs. Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this chili comes together in about 30 minutes, leaving you with more time to relax or entertain. Versatile Base: Whether you’re craving a soup or taco filling, it’s easily adaptable—swap ingredients based on your fridge’s contents or personal preferences. Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This chili is guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike, making it ideal for gatherings, especially served with Garlic Parmesan Chicken or warm cornbread. Make this Corn Chicken Chili your new go-to recipe for any occasion! Corn Chicken Chili Ingredients For the Base Olive Oil – Provides richness and depth in flavor. Substitute with avocado oil for a similar taste. Onion – Adds sweetness and a base flavor. Yellow or white onion works best. Jalapeno – Offers mild heat and fresh flavor; adjust quantity based on desired spice level. Use bell pepper for milder options. Corn Kernels – Introduces sweetness and texture; fresh corn is ideal, but frozen or canned corn can work in a pinch. Kosher Salt & Pepper – Enhances overall flavors. Adjust to taste. Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; fresh minced garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be substituted. For the Protein Ground Chicken – The main protein source providing heartiness; can swap with ground turkey or pork for different flavor profiles. For the Seasoning Chili Powder – Introduces warmth and deep flavor; substitute with taco seasoning if preferred. Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness; smoked paprika could enhance the flavor even more. Cumin – Offers earthy undertones; omit if unavailable. For the Liquid Chicken Broth – Keeps the chili moist and flavorful; vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian versions. Chicken Base – Concentrates the savory flavor; use liquid or powder broth as an alternative. For the Creaminess Sour Cream – Provides creaminess and tartness; substitute with non-dairy sour cream or yogurt. Finish with Freshness Fresh Cilantro & Lime Juice – Brightens the dish with freshness; omit cilantro for a non-cilantro-friendly recipe. Hot Sauce – Adds extra heat; optional based on personal preference. Cotija Cheese – Final garnish for creaminess and flavor; feta or queso fresco can be used as substitutes. Enjoy creating your delightful Corn Chicken Chili, where comfort meets flavor in every spoonful! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Corn Chicken Chili Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 chopped jalapeno, and 1 cup of corn kernels, seasoning generously with kosher salt and pepper. Cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and golden, releasing a fragrant aroma that signals it’s time for the next step. Step 2: Brown Chicken Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of ground chicken. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cumin, along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking up the chicken until it’s no longer pink and begins to brown, infusing the pot with rich flavors. Step 3: Add Liquids Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of chicken base, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it thickens, allowing the flavors of your Corn Chicken Chili to meld beautifully. Step 4: Finish Chili After the simmering time, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream, the juice of 1 lime, and hot sauce to taste if desired. Continue cooking for an additional 5–10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until everything is well integrated and creamy. The chili should appear luscious and inviting, loaded with texture and flavor. Step 5: Serve & Garnish Taste your Corn Chicken Chili, adjusting the seasoning if necessary before serving. Ladle it into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and additional lime wedges. Optional chili powder sprinkled on top adds a nice touch to this warm and comforting dish that’s ready to be enjoyed. Make Ahead Options These Corn Chicken Chili meals are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chili base up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps of the recipe—sautéing the aromatics, browning the chicken, and adding the liquids—then refrigerate it in an airtight container. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to deepen overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy your chili, simply stir in the sour cream and lime juice, then heat it gently on the stove. For longer storage, this chili freezes well for up to 3 months; just reheat with a splash of broth to maintain its creamy texture. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing taste! What to Serve with Street Corn Chicken Chili Delight in a complete meal that enhances the rich and creamy flavors of this chili, turning dinner into a feast for the senses. Warm Cornbread: A classic pairing, its soft texture beautifully complements the chili’s heartiness, providing a perfect vehicle for scooping. Tortilla Chips: Crispy and salty, these add a delightful crunch and make for an enjoyable contrast against the chili’s creamy base. Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad brightened with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili, offering a palate-cleansing bite. Avocado Slices: Creamy and creamy avocado brings a luscious element and healthy fats that harmonize with the spices in the chili. Margaritas: A zesty, refreshing margarita enhances the vibrant flavors and gives a festive touch to your meal, perfect for gatherings. Pineapple Salsa: The sweetness of pineapple salsa contrasts beautifully with the chili’s heat, elevating the dish to new flavor heights. Enjoy these pairings that not only complement the Corn Chicken Chili but also create a vibrant dining experience full of texture and flavor! Corn Chicken Chili Variations & Substitutions Looking to put your own delicious spin on this Corn Chicken Chili? Let your creativity flow with these tempting variations! Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream with non-dairy yogurt to keep it creamy while being kinder to your tummy. Vegetarian Delight: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of ground chicken for a hearty, plant-based version. Bean Boost: Add black beans or chickpeas for an extra protein punch and delightful texture. Taco Twist: Transform your chili into a flavorful taco filling or serve it over crispy baked potatoes for a fun twist. Spicy Kick: If you love heat, don’t hesitate to increase the jalapeño or add in a dash of cayenne pepper. Smoky Flavor: Go for smoked paprika instead of regular for an intensely smoky undertone that will elevate the dish. Flavorful Broth: Trust vegetable broth as a base for a vegetarian version while keeping that rich and savory flavor. Fresh Twist: Omit cilantro and add fresh parsley or scallions for a bright pop of color and flavor that’s just as refreshing. Feel free to mix and match these ideas for a personalized bowl of comfort. And for some inspiration, check out these dishes like Fiery Chicken Ramen and Honey BBQ Chicken that embrace creativity in the kitchen! Enjoy experimenting with your Corn Chicken Chili! Storage Tips for Corn Chicken Chili Fridge: Store leftover Corn Chicken Chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen overnight. Freezer: Freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy reference. Thawing: To thaw, move the container to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed for creaminess. Reheating: Warm your Corn Chicken Chili over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating, until piping hot. Expert Tips for Corn Chicken Chili Thicker Chili: Simmer without a lid to reduce moisture and achieve a thicker consistency that enhances the texture of your Corn Chicken Chili. Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: Fresh corn will elevate the dish, but don’t hesitate to use frozen if you can’t find it; just be sure to thaw it first for even cooking. Adjusting Heat: Control the spice level by varying the number of jalapeños and the amount of hot sauce—tweak it to suit everyone’s taste! Flavor Enhancement: For extra depth, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to add a delightful smoky note to your chili. Leftover Love: Store leftover Corn Chicken Chili in the fridge for up to 4 days; the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! Corn Chicken Chili Recipe FAQs What type of corn is best for Corn Chicken Chili? Absolutely! Fresh corn enhances the dish’s sweet flavor and texture, but if you can’t find it, frozen corn works wonderfully. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. How should I store leftover Corn Chicken Chili? Leftover Corn Chicken Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors mingle and deepen! Can I freeze Corn Chicken Chili? Very! To freeze your Corn Chicken Chili, simply let it cool completely before pouring it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date for easy identification. What’s the best way to reheat frozen Corn Chicken Chili? To reheat, first thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pour it into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore its creaminess as needed. Heat until it becomes piping hot and your kitchen is filled with that delightful aroma again! Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Absolutely! If someone has allergies, be cautious with ingredients like chicken and dairy. You can easily make this chili gluten-free by substituting any broth or seasoning mixes that may contain gluten. If you’re catering to vegans, swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu and use a plant-based sour cream alternative. What if my chili is too thick or flavorful? If you find your Corn Chicken Chili is too thick, simply stir in some additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. For seasoning, gradually add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste. Just remember, the more the merrier—taste-testing is key to achieving perfection! Creamy Corn Chicken Chili That Will Warm Your Soul This Corn Chicken Chili combines sweet corn and juicy ground chicken in a flavorful, creamy dish—perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil for a similar taste.1 cup Onion, diced Yellow or white onion works best.1 medium Jalapeno, chopped Adjust quantity based on desired spice level.1 cup Corn Kernels Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen or canned corn can work.to taste Kosher Salt Enhances overall flavors.to taste Pepper Enhances overall flavors.3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh minced garlic is preferred.For the Protein1 pound Ground Chicken Can swap with ground turkey or pork.For the Seasoning2 teaspoons Chili Powder Substitute with taco seasoning if preferred.1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika could enhance the flavor.1 teaspoon Cumin Omit if unavailable.For the Liquid4 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian versions.1 tablespoon Chicken Base Use liquid or powder broth as an alternative.For the Creaminess1/2 cup Sour Cream Substitute with non-dairy sour cream or yogurt.Finish with Freshnessto taste Fresh Cilantro Omit for a non-cilantro-friendly recipe.1 tablespoon Lime Juice Brightens the dish.to taste Hot Sauce Optional based on personal preference.to taste Cotija Cheese Feta or queso fresco can be used as substitutes. Equipment Large Pot Method StepsHeat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 chopped jalapeno, and 1 cup of corn kernels, seasoning generously with kosher salt and pepper. Cook for 7–9 minutes until the onion is translucent and golden.Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of ground chicken. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Cook for 7–9 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and begins to brown.Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of chicken base, stirring well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream, the juice of 1 lime, and hot sauce to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 5–10 minutes on low heat until everything is well integrated and creamy.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Ladle into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and additional lime wedges. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftover Corn Chicken Chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen overnight. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!