Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili

🌽 Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili — Mediterranean Style

🕒 Total Time

40 minutes
Serves: 6

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🥘 Ingredients

For the Chili

• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional, for mild heat)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp coriander

• ½ tsp oregano (Mediterranean touch)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (like cannellini), drained and rinsed

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (poached or rotisserie)

• 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen; charred if possible)

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess instead of cream cheese)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (instead of cotija, Mediterranean twist)

• Juice of 1 lime

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

• Chili flakes or Aleppo pepper

• Diced avocado or a drizzle of olive oil

• Extra feta or Greek yogurt

• Toasted pita chips (or tortilla chips)

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🔥 Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

   • Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook 5 minutes until softened.

   • Add garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Build the Base

   • Stir in the chicken, beans, and corn.

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

   • Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes.

3. Creamy Finish

   • Lower heat and stir in Greek yogurt and feta.

   • Simmer gently (do not boil) for 5 more minutes, until slightly thickened.

   • Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning.

4. Charred Corn Topping (optional)

   • In a skillet, char a few spoonfuls of corn in olive oil until slightly blackened for topping.

5. Serve

   • Ladle into bowls.

   • Top with charred corn, cilantro/parsley, chili flakes, extra feta, and a drizzle of olive oil.

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🧄 Optional Add-ins (for extra Mediterranean flair)

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for umami richness

• A handful of spinach or kale for greens

• A touch of za’atar instead of oregano for a fragrant twist

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🍽 Serving Suggestion

Serve with toasted pita wedges, warm naan, or crusty sourdough instead of cornbread.
Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling water with lime.