🌽 Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili (Mediterranean Style)
📝 Description
This White Chicken Chili blends the bold flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) with Mediterranean cooking principles. Instead of heavy cream, we use Greek yogurt and olive oil, keeping it creamy yet nourishing. Tender chicken, sweet corn, white beans, lime, and warm spices come together in a cozy, protein-rich one-pot meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp dried oregano
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1½ cups cooked sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
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1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
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Juice of 1 lime
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
🌿 Mediterranean Toppings (Optional but Recommended)
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Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
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Crumbled feta cheese (Mediterranean twist instead of cotija)
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Diced avocado
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Extra lime wedges
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Light drizzle of olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
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Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. -
Bloom the spices
Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. -
Cook the chicken
Add chicken breasts and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–18 minutes until chicken is cooked through. -
Shred the chicken
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot. -
Add corn & beans
Stir in corn and white beans. Simmer for 5 minutes. -
Make it creamy
Lower heat. Stir in Greek yogurt slowly, followed by lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Do not boil. -
Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with feta, herbs, avocado, and extra lime.
🥗 Mediterranean Nutrition Highlights
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High protein from chicken & beans
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Healthy fats from olive oil & yogurt
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Fiber-rich and naturally gluten-free
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No heavy cream or butter
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Replace Greek yogurt with blended soaked cashews or a thick unsweetened coconut yogurt.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Add shredded cooked chicken after the beans and corn, then simmer briefly.
Q: Is this chili spicy?
A: Mild by default. Increase chili powder or add jalapeño if you prefer heat.
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
A: Yes, but freeze it before adding Greek yogurt. Stir yogurt in after reheating.
Q: What makes this Mediterranean?
A: Olive oil, Greek yogurt instead of cream, feta instead of cotija, and a lighter, heart-healthy balance.

