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Imagine the smoky, charred sweetness of Mexican street corn, the creamy richness of a hearty chowder, and the comforting bite of tender chicken—all in one bowl. That’s exactly what this Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder delivers! It’s bold, creamy, a little spicy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner, a game-day crowd-pleaser, or just looking for a new way to enjoy street corn flavors, this chowder is calling your name.

Why You’ll Love This Chowder

Name: Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 3 tbsp butter; 1 medium red onion, diced (about 1 cup); 1 green bell pepper, diced (½-1 cup); 1 small jalapeño, de-seeded and diced; 4 cups fresh or canned corn (drained); 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup half and half; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp Tajín (chili lime seasoning); 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp paprika; Salt, to taste; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup cotija cheese; Fresh lime juice, for serving; Extra Tajín, diced onion, and fresh corn, for garnish

This isn’t just another corn chowder—it’s an explosion of flavor in every bite. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Ultra-Creamy and Cozy – Thick, rich, and comforting, this chowder is like a warm hug in a bowl.

Packed with Mexican-Inspired Flavors – Think smoky roasted corn, zesty lime, warm spices, and melty cheese.

Protein-Packed & Satisfying – Tender shredded chicken makes this a filling meal on its own.

One-Pot Wonder – Everything comes together in a single pot for an easy, fuss-free cleanup.

Easy to Customize – Dial up the heat, add extra toppings, or make it dairy-free—it’s super versatile!

Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder

Here’s what makes this chowder so irresistible:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs add protein and heartiness.

Corn: Grilled or roasted corn adds a smoky, caramelized sweetness. Frozen corn works, too!

Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base that deepens the chowder’s flavor.

Jalapeño (Optional): Adds a little heat and authentic street corn spice.

Chicken Broth: The base of the chowder, keeping it flavorful and light.

Heavy Cream (or Coconut Milk): Creates that rich, creamy texture we love in a chowder.

Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and extra silkiness to the broth.

Potatoes: Diced potatoes make this chowder extra thick and hearty.

Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything up.

Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder): The perfect blend of warmth and smokiness.

Cotija Cheese (or Feta): A salty, crumbly cheese that gives this dish its signature street corn flavor.

Fresh Cilantro: The perfect garnish for a pop of freshness.

Instructions

Let’s bring this chowder to life:

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts, season with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and pour in the chicken broth. Let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.

Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set it aside.

Add the Corn & Potatoes: Stir in the roasted corn and diced potatoes, letting them simmer until tender.

Make It Creamy: Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and softened cream cheese, stirring until the chowder becomes rich and smooth.

Return the Chicken & Finish: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, stir in the fresh lime juice, and let everything meld together for a few more minutes.

Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and an extra squeeze of lime.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder

With Warm Tortillas: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of chowder.
Topped with Avocado: Adds a creamy contrast to the bold flavors.
Extra Heat: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle on some cayenne for spice lovers.
Crunchy Tortilla Strips: A crispy topping makes this chowder even better.

Additional Tips

Want a Thicker Chowder? Blend half the soup before adding the shredded chicken.
Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for black beans or extra veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly: This chowder stores and reheats beautifully!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Just shred and add it in after the potatoes have softened.

Q2: What’s the best way to roast the corn?
A2: Grill it on high heat for a few minutes or use a broiler to get that charred effect.

Q3: Can I make this chowder dairy-free?
A3: Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q5: Can I freeze this chowder?
A5: Yes, but leave out the dairy until reheating for best texture.

Q6: How do I reheat this chowder?
A6: Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Q7: What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
A7: Feta, queso fresco, or even shredded cheddar work well.

Q8: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A8: Yes! Add all ingredients except dairy to the slow cooker, cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in dairy before serving.

Q9: How can I make it spicier?
A9: Add extra jalapeño, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to taste.

Q10: What sides go well with this chowder?
A10: A fresh Mexican-style salad, cornbread, or even grilled shrimp make excellent pairings!

This Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder is the perfect mix of cozy and bold. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how you customize yours!

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Why You’ll Love This Chowder

Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder

Instructions

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder

Additional Tips

FAQs

Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder

Description

Ingredients

Chowder Base:

Seasoning & Garnish:

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

3. Build the Chowder Base:

4. Season & Simmer:

5. Finish with Cream & Cheese:

6. Serve & Garnish:

Notes

Nutrition