If you’ve been craving something warm, comforting, and just a little bit bold, this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is about to become your new weeknight hero. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, errands, or all of the above (hey, I see you!), this chili wraps you in a hug of creamy, corn-kissed goodness—without keeping you chained to the stove all night.
As someone who believes deeply in the magic of chicken (hi, I’m Aneta!), I promise this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, tangy, zesty, hearty, and oh-so-easy. Plus, it sneaks in a flavor twist inspired by beloved Mexican street corn—one of my personal foodie obsessions.
Let’s dive into a pot of comfort, shall we?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
Busy week? Kids grabbing snacks like it’s their full-time job? Cold weather giving you the “I just want something warm and yummy” vibes?
This chili is your answer.
Here’s what makes it unforgettable:
- Creamy texture without feeling heavy.
- Sweet corn + smoky spices = flavor magic.
- Shredded chicken keeps things protein-packed and satisfying.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, even if dinner snuck up on you.
- Mild enough for picky eaters but easy to dial up the heat.
Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your pantry or fridge. That’s always a win in my book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups fire-roasted corn for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: tortilla strips, diced jalapeños, hot sauce
How to Make Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
This recipe is simple, flexible, and beginner-friendly. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a pot and a spoon. Let’s get cooking!
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Warm your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
Toss in your minced garlic and cook for one more minute. (Your kitchen should smell heavenly right about now.)
2. Spice It Up
Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if you’re feeling brave). Let these spices toast for 1–2 minutes so they wake up and release their magic.
3. Add Broth and Beans
Pour in your chicken broth and add the white beans.
Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle in and get cozy.
4. Stir in Chicken and Corn
Add your shredded chicken and corn. Give everything a good stir and simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
This is when the chili starts to thicken and look beautifully hearty.
5. Creamy Dreamy Time
Turn the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the broth.
Then add sour cream and lime juice—this combo brightens the richness in the best possible way.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like.
6. Serve It Up
Ladle into bowls and load on the garnishes: cotija, cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla strips, hot sauce… whatever your heart desires.
Kitchen Tips for the Best Chili
Here are a few tricks to make this already-amazing chili even better:
- Fire-roasted corn = big flavor boost. If you can find it, use it!
- Rotisserie chicken is your friend. It’s quick, juicy, and perfect here.
- If your cream cheese doesn’t melt smoothly?
Don’t worry—just keep stirring. A few tiny specks won’t hurt a thing. - Want a thicker chili?
Mash half the beans before adding them. - Want it spicier?
A dash of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño on top does the trick.

A Little Story From My Kitchen
I first made a version of this chili on one of those chaotic school nights—kids running in, running out, me trying to answer emails and chop onions at the same time. A true circus.
When I finally set the pot on the table, the chili disappeared so fast I thought I had imagined making it. Even my picky eater, who normally gives new recipes a suspicious side-eye, came back for seconds. That’s when I knew: this one was Chicken Magic material.
Now it’s one of my go-to comfort dishes, especially when I want bold flavor without fuss. And I hope it becomes one of yours too.
FAQs About Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works great. If you sauté it for a couple of minutes first, it adds even more flavor.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free sour cream. Or skip both and add a splash of coconut milk.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep your chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually gets even better as it sits.
Can I freeze it?
You can, but keep in mind that dairy can change texture when frozen. If freezing, add the cream cheese and sour cream after thawing and reheating.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! This is a great recipe for using up turkey after the holidays.
Bring the Flavor Home
With its creamy texture, bold spices, and that irresistibly sweet-and-smoky corn twist, this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superhero—even on the days when you’re running on coffee and chaos.
Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or just craving something warm that tastes like comfort in a bowl, this chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort. And honestly? That’s the kind of kitchen magic I’m all about.
Now grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this deliciousness to life. Happy cooking, friend!
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili warmed your heart (and your kitchen!), here are a few hand-picked recipes your taste buds will be so happy you clicked on. Each one brings its own cozy charm, bold flavor, or fun twist—perfect for when you’re craving something comforting, creamy, or just downright delicious.
- And if you’re still craving that irresistible street-corn twist, this hearty, cheesy bake is pure comfort you can scoop right onto your plate:
👉 Street Corn Chicken Casserole - If you adore that sweet-smoky corn vibe, you’ll fall head-over-spoon for this creamy and cozy take on street-corn goodness:
👉 Mexican Street Corn Soup - When you want something familiar and comforting but still packed with flavor, try this reader-favorite classic:
👉 White Chicken Chili - On nights when you want dinner to basically cook itself (we’ve all been there!), this one is a lifesaver—simple, vibrant, and so satisfying:
👉 Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken
Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cozy, flavor-packed Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili made with tender chicken, sweet corn, smoky spices, and a velvety finish of cream cheese and sour cream. Perfect for busy nights, chilly days, or whenever you need comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
-
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
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3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups fire-roasted corn)
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
-
1/2 cup sour cream
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Juice of 1 lime
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Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese, for garnish
-
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
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Optional toppings: tortilla strips, diced jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Let the spices bloom for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in chicken broth and add white beans. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add shredded chicken and corn. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
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Stir in sour cream and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve warm and top with cotija, cilantro, and your favorite toppings.
Notes
Fire-roasted corn adds amazing flavor if you have it.
For a thicker chili, lightly mash half the beans before simmering.
Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for quick prep.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg