Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili: 10 Delicious Twists for Dinner

If you’re anything like me, weeknights can sometimes feel like a juggling act—work emails, kids’ homework, the laundry that never ends. That’s why I’m head-over-heels for Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the right kind of “wow” dish to impress your family without requiring hours in the kitchen. Think of it as comfort food with a fiesta twist—creamy, cheesy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying.

This chili isn’t just another soup recipe—it’s like your favorite street corn went on vacation with a classic white chicken chili, and they decided to move in together.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

  • Quick to make. Ready in under an hour, which is basically a win for any busy night.
  • Crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters won’t say no to a cheesy, creamy bowl of goodness.
  • Customizable. Whether you love it spicy, extra cheesy, or loaded with toppings, this chili plays nice with your preferences.
  • Meal prep friendly. It reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this chili adds its own magic. Here’s the lineup:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option; leftover rotisserie works too!)
  • 2 cups frozen sweet white corn (or fresh grilled corn in the summer for extra flavor)
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (keep seeds for heat, skip them for mild)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (mix in some cheddar for extra punch if you like)
  • ½ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works, but sour cream gives it the best richness)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: crispy bacon crumbles, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, avocado slices.

How To Make Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

1. Sauté the veggies

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and diced jalapeño. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This is where the magic starts!

2. Add garlic and spices

Toss in your minced garlic, chili powder, and oregano. Stir for about a minute to wake up those flavors. Pro tip: don’t let the garlic burn—it gets cranky fast.

3. Cook the chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and add your chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer 10–15 minutes until cooked through.

4. Shred it up

Remove chicken, shred with two forks (or let your stand mixer do the work), then return it to the pot.

5. Make it creamy

Add sour cream, shredded cheese, corn, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir until melty, creamy, and irresistible. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Thicken it up

Mix cornstarch with water, then slowly stir it into the pot. Simmer another 10 minutes uncovered, until the chili thickens but still feels light.

7. Serve and savor

Ladle into bowls and go wild with toppings. Bacon, cotija, tortilla strips, avocado slices—you name it. This is your moment to make it shine!

Cooking Tips for the Best Chili

  • Don’t fear the jalapeño. Removing seeds keeps the spice mild, but if you’re a heat-seeker, leave them in.
  • Rotisserie hack. Short on time? Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this even faster.
  • Cheese matters. Monterey Jack melts like a dream, but don’t be shy about experimenting with pepper jack if you want extra kick.
  • Freezer-friendly. This chili freezes well—just hold off on adding sour cream until reheating for the best texture.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this, my kids asked if I had secretly ordered takeout because it “tasted too good” to be homemade. (Rude, but also kind of flattering!) Now it’s on permanent rotation at our house, especially when the weather turns chilly. Nothing beats a cozy bowl of creamy chili that doubles as a hug in food form.

Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili garnished with avocado slices, corn, cilantro, and shredded chicken in a creamy broth
A bowl of Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili topped with fresh avocado slices and cilantro for extra creamy comfort.

FAQs About Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just toss everything in (except cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and lime), cook on low for 6 hours, shred the chicken, and stir in the creamy extras at the end.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove—add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen or fresh?

Absolutely! Just drain it first. It won’t have the same charred sweetness as grilled corn, but it still works.

Bring the Fiesta Home

There you have it—Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili, the weeknight dinner that checks every box: hearty, creamy, zesty, and family-approved. Whether you’re making it for a quick Tuesday meal or serving a crowd on game day, this recipe will become a regular in your rotation.

So grab your pot, throw in some chicken and corn, and let this chili work its magic. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be asking for seconds before you even sit down.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this cozy bowl of Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili, you’ll want to check out a few of my other flavorful creations that are perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly evenings:

  • Warm up with a classic, creamy bowl of White Chicken Chili — a family favorite that’s just as comforting and versatile.
  • Craving more Mexican-inspired comfort food? Try my cheesy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice — it’s a dinner the whole family will devour.
  • For a lighter but still hearty option, my Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is a fall must-have, packed with flavor and seasonal goodness.
  • And if you’re all about that street corn magic, don’t miss my creamy Mexican Street Corn Soup — it’s like chili’s cousin, bursting with bold flavors in every spoonful.

These recipes are perfect for adding to your weeknight rotation and will keep your table full of delicious variety.

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Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili garnished with avocado slices, corn, cilantro, and shredded chicken in a creamy broth

Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is creamy, zesty, and loaded with flavor. Made with tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, jalapeño, and a cheesy, sour cream base, this comforting chili comes together in under an hour. Perfect for cozy weeknights or feeding a crowd!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 2 cups frozen sweet white corn (or fresh grilled corn)

  • 1 jalapeño, diced (seeds optional)

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional mix with cheddar)

  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings: Cotija cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, tortilla strips, avocado slices


Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeño; sauté 5 minutes until softened.

  2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, and oregano; cook for 1 minute, stirring often.

  3. Add chicken breasts and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

  4. Remove chicken, shred with two forks (or stand mixer), then return to the pot.

  5. Stir in sour cream, cheese, corn, cilantro, and lime juice. Cook until creamy and smooth.

  6. Mix cornstarch with water, add to pot, and simmer uncovered 10 minutes to thicken.

  7. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings of choice.

Notes

For extra heat, leave jalapeño seeds in or swap with serrano.
Rotisserie chicken works great for a shortcut!
Freezes well — just add sour cream after reheating for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Soup, Chili
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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