Name: Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Soup – Easy & Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained); 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup combines the best elements of Mexican street corn and chicken soup, creating a perfect blend of flavors that are both comforting and bold. The creaminess from the cream cheese and heavy cream gives it a smooth, velvety texture, while the chili powder, cumin, and lime add a zesty, smoky kick. The addition of corn brings a delightful sweetness, and with the option to blend part of the soup for a thicker consistency, you get the perfect balance of creamy and hearty. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a cozy dinner with friends, this soup is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Crushed tortilla chips
Sliced jalapeños

Directions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to let the spices bloom and become fragrant.
Add Chicken, Corn, and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Add shredded chicken, corn, and diced green chilies. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Blend (Optional): For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or carefully transfer a few cups of soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Stir in Cream Cheese and Cream: Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it’s completely melted. Then, add the heavy cream or half-and-half and mix until smooth.
Finish with Lime: Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
Vegan Option: Substitute shredded chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk for the creamy base.
Corn Substitution: If fresh or frozen corn isn’t available, you can also use canned corn (drained).
Crockpot Version: Combine all ingredients (except the dairy and lime) in a crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and lime juice 30 minutes before serving for a creamy, slow-cooked version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup can be frozen without the dairy for longer storage (up to 3 months). When ready to serve, thaw and add the cream and lime before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a bit more broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup.

2. Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly here. There’s no need to thaw it; just add it straight to the pot.

3. Is it necessary to blend the soup for a thicker consistency?

Blending is optional. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step, but blending part of the soup will give it a creamier texture.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often get better as they sit!

5. Can I make this soup in the crockpot?

Absolutely! Simply cook everything except the dairy and lime on low for 6 hours. Add the cream, cream cheese, and lime juice 30 minutes before serving.

6. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk (or another dairy-free alternative) to make it dairy-free.

7. How can I make this soup spicier?

To make the soup spicier, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño while cooking. You can also top it with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream for longer storage. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw it and add the dairy before reheating.

9. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. It will still give the soup a rich, creamy texture.

10. What toppings can I use for this soup?

Top your soup with crumbled cotija or feta cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Soup is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish that brings the taste of Mexican street food right to your dinner table. With tender chicken, sweet corn, and a perfect blend of spices, it’s a meal that will satisfy your taste buds and warm you up on any day. The optional toppings add an extra layer of freshness and crunch, making this dish an absolute winner for family dinners or weeknight meals. Quick, easy, and delicious—this soup is sure to become a favorite!