Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
This creamy and flavorful chili is inspired by the bold taste of Mexican street corn and the comforting richness of white chicken chili. It’s a perfect blend of shredded chicken sweet corn a little heat from jalapeños and a creamy broth that’s both hearty and satisfying. Great for weeknight dinners game days or cozy weekends.
Prep Time:
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 yellow onion chopped
1 jalapeño diced (remove seeds for less heat)
2 cans corn drained (or use frozen or fresh)
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Cook the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven add chicken breasts onion jalapeño and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Shred the chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return it to the pot.
Add flavor: Stir in corn tomatoes cumin paprika garlic powder salt and pepper. Let simmer for another 10 minutes.
Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then add sour cream and mix well.
Finish and serve: Simmer for a few more minutes. Serve hot topped with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Tips:
Shred easily: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken quickly
Creaminess tip: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding so it melts easier
Adjust heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for less spice or add more if you like it hot
Thicken it up: If you want a thicker chili mash some of the corn or beans (if added) with a spoon
Make ahead: This chili stores well and actually tastes better the next day
Variations:
Add beans: Mix in white beans like cannellini or great northern for extra heartiness
Make it smoky: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky depth
Swap proteins: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or ground turkey for a twist
Cheesy version: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese at the end
Veggie style: Skip the chicken and use more corn beans and zucchini for a meatless option
Slow cooker: Add all ingredients (except sour cream and cream cheese) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours then stir in dairy before serving
Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
A: Yes just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it after the broth and veggies have simmered
Q: Is this chili spicy?
A: It has a mild kick from the jalapeño but you can adjust the heat by using less or removing the seeds or add more spice with hot sauce or chili flakes
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
A: Yes but do it before adding the sour cream and cream cheese for best texture then stir those in when reheating
Q: What toppings go well with this chili?
A: Crumbled cotija or feta cheese tortilla strips avocado chopped cilantro lime wedges or even hot sauce
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days in an airtight container and it reheats well on the stove or in the microwave
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes you can skip the cream cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or plant-based sour cream
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: Cornbread tortilla chips rice or a simple side salad are all great options
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings):
Calories: 380
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 90mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes
Conclusion:
Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort dish with a flavorful fusion of creamy chili and zesty street corn vibes. It’s easy to prepare rich in protein and totally customizable to your spice and topping preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week this cozy bowl delivers warmth and bold flavor every time.