Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
Imagine if your favorite cozy chili met the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn now that’s the kind of culinary love story we can get behind. This Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is creamy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s got tender chicken, sweet corn, a creamy base, and just enough heat to keep things exciting. Add some lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese on top, and you’ve got a bowl that hits all the right notes.
This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl with a fiesta twist. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something satisfying and full of personality, this chili delivers every single time. Trust me, you’re going to want seconds.
Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for dinner parties, meal prep, or game day it fits any vibe.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients for a satisfying, filling meal.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in under an hour with minimal fuss.
Customizable: Adjust the heat, toppings, and creaminess to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
This chili is bursting with flavor thanks to a beautiful blend of fresh and pantry ingredients. Here’s what makes it so special:
Cooked Chicken
Tender and shredded, this is the hearty base of your chili. Rotisserie chicken works like a charm for a shortcut!
Sweet Corn
The star of the show juicy corn kernels give that classic street corn sweetness and texture.
White Beans
Creamy, protein-packed, and great for making the chili thick and satisfying.
Onion and Garlic
The aromatic foundation that builds big flavor from the very first step.
Green Chiles
Mild heat and bright, tangy flavor they bring a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken Broth
The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Cream Cheese
This is where the magic happens. It melts into the chili and makes everything luxuriously creamy.
Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
Adds tang and richness that balances the heat and sweetness perfectly.
Cotija Cheese
Crumbly, salty, and bold it’s the signature finish for that authentic street corn vibe.
Fresh Lime Juice
A splash of citrusy brightness that cuts through the creaminess and makes the flavors pop.
Cilantro
For a burst of freshness and that unmistakable street corn finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
If you’re using a stovetop, set your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This ensures even cooking and gives your aromatics a chance to shine right away.
Combine Ingredients
Sauté chopped onions in a bit of oil until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the green chiles, corn, beans, and cooked chicken.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Make sure your pot is deep enough to hold all the ingredients. You want everything to simmer and mingle without boiling over.
Assemble the Dish
Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once simmering, reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Cook to Perfection
Let the chili simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will develop, and the broth will thicken slightly as it cooks.
Finishing Touches
Turn off the heat and stir in sour cream (or crema), fresh lime juice, and a handful of cotija cheese. Give it one final stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with extra corn, cotija, cilantro, or even crushed tortilla chips. This is the kind of chili that makes people ask for the recipe every time.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350–400 calories
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with warm cornbread or a crusty baguette for dipping
- Top with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce
- Add crushed tortilla chips or Fritos for a crunchy bite
- Pair with a cold Mexican beer or lime agua fresca
- Serve it in a bread bowl for extra coziness
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use leftover grilled corn for even more smoky flavor.
- Don’t skip the lime juice it lifts everything!
- If the chili is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
- Want it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- It tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except dairy to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream just before serving.
2. Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove.
3. What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
Feta or queso fresco are great substitutes. Even grated parmesan works in a pinch!
4. Can I use frozen corn?
Yes fresh, canned, or frozen all work well in this recipe.
5. Is this chili spicy?
Not overly. The green chiles add a gentle warmth. You can easily increase the heat with jalapeños or chili powder.
6. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes dice and sauté it with the onions until fully cooked before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
7. What kind of beans should I use?
White beans like Great Northern or cannellini work best. You can also mix in pinto or black beans if desired.
8. How long will leftovers last?
Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, it’ll last up to 4 days.
9. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
10. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Gently on the stove over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili is everything you love about two comforting favorites chili and elote rolled into one irresistible bowl. It’s rich, it’s creamy, it’s got a little kick, and it’s topped with cheese and lime… what more could you ask for? Whether it’s your first time making white chili or you’re looking to switch things up, this one’s going to become a new go-to. So grab a spoon (and maybe some tortilla chips) dinner just got really exciting.
Print
Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, creamy twist on white chicken chili infused with the bold flavors of Mexican street corn. This cozy dish combines tender chicken, roasted corn, green chiles, and warming spices — finished with cotija cheese and fresh lime.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels or 1 1/2 cups fire-roasted corn
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus more for topping)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add shredded chicken, green chiles, chicken broth, white beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Stir in sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cotija, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- To add heat, include diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mexican street corn chili, white chicken chili, creamy chicken soup, elote chili, comfort food