Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup

Get ready to delight your taste buds with a bowl of comforting goodness – Street Corn Chicken Soup! This recipe takes the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn and transforms them into a hearty and flavorful soup that is sure to become a family favorite. Imagine tender chicken, sweet corn, and chunky potatoes simmered in a rich broth infused with smoky chipotle and zesty lime – a true fiesta for your palate.

The aroma of this Street Corn Chicken Soup simmering on the stove is so irresistible that it might just attract curious neighbors to your kitchen, just like it did for me! Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or craving something special for your loved ones, this soup is the perfect choice. The fusion of familiar ingredients with a new twist creates a magical experience in every spoonful, making it a standout dish that will keep everyone coming back for more.

With each spoonful of this Mexican-inspired soup, you’ll experience a symphony of textures and flavors – from tender chicken to crispy bacon, creamy cotija cheese, and the fresh burst of cilantro and lime. It’s a dish that not only warms the body but also warms the heart, evoking memories of cherished moments shared over delicious food. Embrace the spirit of Mexican street food with a twist in this Street Corn Chicken Soup, and let its unique blend of ingredients take you on a culinary journey like no other.

Quick Benefits

• Delivers bold and authentic Mexican flavors: Incorporates classic elote flavors in a heartwarming soup, blending sweet corn, spicy chipotle, juicy chicken, and chunky potatoes in a thick broth.
• Rich and hearty comfort food: Combines soft chicken, crunchy bacon, and juicy corn kernels in a creamy broth that naturally thickens with the starch from potatoes, providing a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Perfect for casual dinners with friends or treating the family to a special meal, this soup offers a balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.
• Honors tradition while adding a modern twist: Pays homage to Mexican street corn vendors by incorporating key elements like corn, lime, and creamy textures while adapting them into a comforting soup that’s ideal for colder weather.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup Recipe

• Unique Fusion of Flavors: Combining classic elote flavors with traditional soup ingredients creates a delicious and comforting dish that balances sweet corn with spicy chipotle heat.
• Authentic South-of-the-Border Taste: Experience the deep layers of Mexican flavors in every spoonful, from juicy chicken and crunchy bacon to tangy lime and creamy broth.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for casual dinners with friends or special family meals, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy a variety of tastes.
• Textural Harmony: Enjoy a variety of textures in one bite, from soft chicken to crunchy bacon and juicy corn kernels, all melding together in a naturally thick and smooth broth.
• Respectful Fusion of Old and New: Paying homage to traditional Mexican street corn while offering a unique twist, this recipe offers a fresh take on familiar flavors.
• Customizable Toppings: Elevate the dish with fresh cilantro for brightness, cotija cheese for saltiness, and lime juice for a zesty kick, allowing each diner to tailor their bowl to perfection.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Reminiscent of family gatherings and cherished recipes, this soup evokes a warm, cared-for feeling with each mouthful.
• Memorable Shared Moments: Create lasting memories around the table with this cozy yet exciting soup that brings people together and celebrates the joy of good food.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup

For the Base

• 1 white onion, chopped small
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 poblano or jalapeño, chopped up (go with poblano if you want it mild)

Core Ingredients

• 6 cups rich chicken stock
• 2 cups of frozen, sweet corn
• 2 medium russet potatoes, cut into small chunks after peeling
• 2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce from the can
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
• 8 ounces of crème fraîche or cream cheese
• 1 pound chicken breast, no bones

For Garnishing

• Crumbled cotija cheese, around half a cup
• A handful of cilantro, freshly plucked
• Crispy bacon strips (about 6)
• Juice from 2 fresh limes

Pro Tips for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup

Pro Tips:

For a richer flavor, roast the poblano or jalapeño pepper before chopping and adding it to the soup. This will enhance its smoky taste and add depth to the overall dish.

To save time, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast from scratch. This is a great way to cut down on prep time while still keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.

When serving the soup, encourage your guests to customize their bowls with additional toppings like sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream. This allows everyone to tailor their soup to their liking and adds a fun interactive element to the meal.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup

Step 1: Cook the Flavors Together

Place a large pan over medium heat. Heat the oil, then sauté garlic, onion, and pepper for about 3 minutes until softened. Add cumin and chili powder, stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.

Step 2: Fill the Cooker with Ingredients

Add the frozen corn, potato chunks, chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, chicken, and broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 3: Cream It Up

Thirty minutes before serving, blend the cream cheese or crème fraîche into the soup until fully melted for a creamy texture. Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crispy by frying or baking.

Step 4: Serve and Top Off

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, a drizzle of lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Aim for a balance of creamy soup base and crunchy toppings in each bowl.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Street Corn Chicken Soup, store any leftovers properly to maintain its flavors and textures. To store the soup in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly sealed, the soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Street Corn Chicken Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags. Be sure to leave some room for expansion when freezing. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw and reheat, place the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Mexican-inspired soup even after storing by following these simple storage tips.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this Street Corn Chicken Soup vegetarian, you can easily swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the chicken breast. To add a meaty texture, consider adding in some cooked and crumbled meat substitute like tempeh or tofu.

For a dairy-free alternative, you can replace the crème fraîche or cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This substitution will retain the creamy texture and tangy flavor without the use of dairy products.

If you prefer a milder version of the soup, you can opt for a green bell pepper instead of the poblano or jalapeño pepper. This substitution will reduce the spiciness level while still adding a nice flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try ladling the Street Corn Chicken Soup into individual bread bowls made from crusty artisan bread. The combination of the creamy soup with the chewy bread adds a delightful texture and makes for a fun and interactive dining experience. Garnish each bread bowl with a sprinkle of cotija cheese, a drizzle of fresh lime juice, and a sprig of cilantro to enhance the flavors and presentation.

To elevate the presentation of the Street Corn Chicken Soup, serve it in mini mason jars or glass mugs for a trendy and charming twist. Layer the soup with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of crème fraîche, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Finish off the look with a lime wedge on the rim of each jar and a small bunch of fresh cilantro for a visually appealing and Instagram-worthy dish that your guests will love.

FAQs for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Soup

Can I use jalapeño instead of poblano in the Street Corn Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can use jalapeño instead of poblano if you prefer a spicier flavor in your soup. Just keep in mind that jalapeños are typically hotter than poblanos, so adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Can I substitute cream cheese for crème fraîche in the Street Corn Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese for crème fraîche in this recipe. Cream cheese will add a rich and creamy texture to the soup, similar to crème fraîche. Make sure to adjust the amount to taste and consider the slight flavor variation it may bring.

Can I make the Street Corn Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. In fact, the flavors often develop and intensify when the soup is allowed to sit for a while. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Can I freeze the Street Corn Chicken Soup for later?

While you can freeze the soup, the texture of the potatoes and dairy-based ingredients like crème fraîche or cream cheese may slightly change upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to enjoy the soup fresh for the best taste and consistency.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this Street Corn Chicken Soup is the perfect choice. The blend of sweet corn, spicy chipotle, tender chicken, and creamy broth creates a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul with every spoonful. Don’t be surprised if this soup becomes a staple in your kitchen and a favorite among your loved ones.

In conclusion, Street Corn Chicken Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of Mexican street food in a comforting bowl. The harmony of textures and flavors in this soup, paired with the vibrant toppings, is sure to elevate your dining experience and create unforgettable moments around the table. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the magic of this delicious soup that brings a taste of Mexico right to your home. Enjoy!