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Hearty Street Corn Chicken Chili

Hearty Street Corn Chicken Chili

Hearty Street Corn Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines smoky roasted street corn, tender chicken, and rich spices in a savory chili base. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this chili offers a unique fusion of textures and tastes, delivering warmth, protein, and fiber in every bite.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Beans

  • 2 cups roasted or grilled street corn kernels
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1-2 jalapeños, diced (for added heat)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime

Optional Garnishes

  • Crumbled cotija cheese
  • Sliced green onions
  • Dollop of sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large pot with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir well. Let the mixture simmer to meld the flavors.
  3. Incorporate Beans and Corn: Stir in rinsed black beans and roasted street corn kernels. Mix well and allow the sauce to thicken while combining the textures and flavors.
  4. Simmer for Depth: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, uncovered, so the flavors develop fully and the chicken becomes tender throughout.
  5. Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze in lime juice to brighten the chili and add a fresh, vibrant note to each bite.

Notes

  • Roast corn in a hot skillet or grill for authentic smoky street corn flavor.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs can be used for deeper flavor and juiciness.
  • This chili improves when made ahead and stored overnight.
  • Adjust chili thickness by adding chicken broth to thin or simmering uncovered longer to thicken.
  • Control the spice level by starting mild with chili powder and adding jalapeños gradually.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Simmering
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken chili, street corn chili, hearty chili, smoky chili, gluten free chili, Tex-Mex chili, chicken and corn chili