When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili. But what if we told you there’s a version that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican street corn and the creaminess of white chicken chili? Say hello to Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili—a cozy, flavor-packed fusion that combines tender shredded chicken, roasted corn, and a rich, creamy broth infused with southwest spices.
Whether you’re a chili traditionalist or just love experimenting in the kitchen, this dish brings together the best of both worlds—and yes, it’s even better the next day.
The Story Behind the Flavor
Inspired by a weekend stroll through a local food market in Atlanta, I stumbled upon two crowd favorites—classic white chicken chili and Mexican street corn (elote). That creamy, smoky corn with cotija cheese and chili powder had me thinking: What if we combined that corn magic into a bowl of chili?
The result is this recipe—a hybrid of mexican chicken chili and elote chili, loaded with roasted white corn, creamy green chilis, and a hint of lime. It’s hearty, comforting, and unexpectedly refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Chili
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No Beans Required: Whether you’re eating low-carb or just not a fan, this white chicken chili without beans is rich and filling without needing legumes.
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Corn is the Star: We highlight corn in all forms—roasted, grilled, and even blended for a chowder-like base.
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Flavor Explosion: Think garlic, cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, finished with a creamy swirl and crumbles of cotija cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch:
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Shredded rotisserie chicken (or slow-cooked chicken thighs)
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Fire-roasted corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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Diced green chilis
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Cream cheese or heavy cream
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Onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder
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Chicken broth
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Fresh lime and chopped cilantro
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Optional toppings: cotija cheese, tortilla strips, jalapeños
Looking for a chicken chili with corn that skips the beans? You’re in luck—this one’s a beanless white chicken chili recipe that still brings all the creaminess you crave.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Want it extra creamy? Add a spoon of sour cream or blend a portion of the soup for a white chicken chili corn chowder texture.
Prefer ground meat? Use ground chicken for a quick-cook version—yes, you can even make this a ground chicken chili no beans variation.
No slow cooker? No problem. This white chicken chili no beans crock pot version easily adapts to stovetop in under 40 minutes.
Pair It Like a Pro
Pair your street corn white chicken chili with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips. For something heartier, try it alongside this Mango Elote Corn Salad — the sweet and spicy combo is irresistible.
If you’re a fan of Chili’s street corn or searching for that chilis mexican corn recipe flavor, this homemade twist brings that restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works for All Diets
From no bean white chicken chili lovers to those searching for a chicken corn chili recipe that’s family-friendly, this dish is adaptable. Make it dairy-free, spicier, or even vegetarian with some creative swaps.
Searching for a mexican corn chili recipe with real street food inspiration? Or a white chili no beans for weeknight cooking? This one checks all the boxes—easy, bold, and so satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili?
Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful chili that combines roasted corn, tender chicken, and green chilis. Inspired by elote (Mexican street corn), it blends smoky, cheesy corn with the richness of traditional white chili.
2. Can I make white chicken chili without beans?
Yes, you can easily make white chicken chili without beans. The chili stays hearty thanks to ingredients like shredded chicken, corn, and cream cheese or broth-based thickening.
3. Is Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, thanks to green chilis and chili powder, but you can adjust the heat level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce, or leaving them out entirely for a milder version.
4. What kind of corn should I use for this chili?
You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Fire-roasted or grilled corn adds the best flavor and mimics the smoky taste of traditional Mexican street corn.
5. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, ground chicken works great in this recipe. It cooks quickly and still absorbs the chili flavors well, making it a good option for a weeknight meal.
6. Is this chili gluten-free?
Most versions are naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free broth and spices. Always double-check packaged ingredients to be sure.
7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. With this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili, you’re getting the heartiness of chili, the smoky sweetness of elote, and the creamy goodness of a classic white chili—all in one bowl.
Try it once, and it’ll earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation. And hey, don’t forget to top it with extra cotija and a squeeze of lime—it’s the street corn way.
Craving more elote-inspired recipes?
Explore our blog for elote dips, salads, and more Mexican street corn magic
