Warm, creamy, and bursting with flavor—this Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder is a comforting bowl of deliciousness that combines the best of both worlds. Imagine the smoky, sweet flavor of grilled corn, combined with tender chicken, zesty lime, and a rich, creamy base that’s just to die for. It’s a bowl of pure cozy goodness, and trust me, it’ll become your go-to comfort food!
Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder
This chowder is a fiesta in a bowl! It’s not just a soup—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Versatile: You can make it as a hearty meal for dinner or serve it as a starter for a fun Mexican-themed night.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken is always a great choice for an affordable and filling meal, and corn adds a sweet touch without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: This chowder comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a bit more heat with extra chili powder or want to add some avocado for extra richness, this chowder is easy to adjust to your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a crowd favorite for good reason—creamy, flavorful, and full of satisfying ingredients. It’s the perfect dish for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder
This chowder has the best ingredients—smoky, sweet, and creamy, all in one bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Tender chicken cooked to perfection in the chowder base.
Corn: Either fresh or frozen corn works beautifully in this dish. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the other savory flavors.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples form the base of the flavor, giving your chowder that savory depth.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base that ties everything together, making the soup rich and flavorful.
Heavy Cream: For that extra creaminess that makes this chowder so indulgent and comforting.
Chili Powder and Cumin: Smoky and earthy spices that infuse the chowder with that signature Mexican flavor.
Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cream.
Cotija Cheese: The classic Mexican cheese to sprinkle on top for that salty, tangy finish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to finish off the chowder.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making this chowder is easier than you think! Let’s get cooking:
Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breast (or thighs) in a large pot over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and shred it with a fork.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add some oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re softened and fragrant.
Add the Corn and Broth: Add the corn, chicken broth, and shredded chicken to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the Cream: Once the broth has reduced slightly, stir in the heavy cream, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will make the chowder creamy and rich.
Finish with Lime and Cheese: Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir in some crumbled cotija cheese. This adds a nice tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and additional cotija cheese. A few extra lime wedges on the side wouldn’t hurt either!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder
This chowder is amazing on its own, but if you want to serve it with some sides, here are a few ideas:
- With a side of cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory chowder.
- With a fresh salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chowder.
- With tortilla chips: For a bit of crunch and an extra layer of flavor, serve the chowder with crispy tortilla chips.
Additional Tips
Here are a few more tips to ensure you make the best chowder possible:
- Use fresh corn if possible: Fresh corn adds a sweet, juicy bite to the chowder, but frozen corn works just fine too.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer more heat, add a diced jalapeño to the pot while sautéing the onions.
- Make it a meal prep winner: This chowder stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it later. Just reheat and serve!
- Top with avocado: For an extra creamy texture, top your chowder with some diced avocado right before serving.
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it fully before cooking to ensure even cooking. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for black beans or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - How can I make this chowder spicier?
Add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños to the soup for extra heat. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you can’t find cotija cheese, try using feta or parmesan as an alternative. - Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! You can add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreddable. - Can I freeze this chowder?
Yes, this chowder freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. - Can I add potatoes to this chowder?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added for extra texture and heartiness. Just cook them until soft before adding the cream. - How do I make the chowder thicker?
If you want a thicker chowder, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or blend part of the chowder to create a creamier base. - What can I serve with this chowder?
This chowder is great with a side of crusty bread, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder is the perfect dish to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. With its creamy base, smoky corn, and tender chicken, every bite is packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to share with friends, this chowder is sure to become a favorite. So grab a spoon and dig into this creamy, comforting masterpiece!
Print
Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup, Chowder
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and flavorful Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder is packed with sweet corn, tender chicken, and bold spices. Inspired by the classic elote, it’s a comforting, hearty dish with smoky, tangy, and cheesy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
– 1/2 tsp Tajín seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño, and sauté until softened.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
4. Add the corn, shredded chicken, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in the lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, additional cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning if desired.
Notes
– For a smoky flavor, use fire-roasted corn.
– Add crispy bacon or tortilla strips for extra crunch.
– Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
– Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg