Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup brings all the flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) into a hearty and comforting dish. Loaded with fire-roasted corn, tender chicken, and rich spices, it’s a creamy and satisfying meal perfect for any time of year. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy it as a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and fire-roasted corn creates a rich taste that will impress everyone.
• Comforting Dish: This creamy soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen corn based on what you have on hand—it’s delicious either way!
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Mexican Street Corn Soup, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make cooking smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot and ensures even mixing of ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: Vital for prepping vegetables safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small red onion, diced
– 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 (12 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 (12 oz.) package fire-roasted frozen corn (or fresh corn)
– 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
– 1 tbsp Tajín seasoning
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 2 tsp chili powder
– ½ tsp table salt
– ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper
– 4 cups (32 oz.) chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups sour cream (full-fat) or Greek yogurt (full-fat)
– ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– Juice of one lime
– ¼ cup chopped cilantro
– ½ cup crumbled queso fresco

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the diced red onion and jalapeño. Cook until the onions soften, about 3–4 minutes.
* Then add the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Now it’s time to introduce the main ingredients.
* Add the chicken breasts to the pot along with fire-roasted corn and diced green chiles.
* Season everything with Tajín, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Next, pour in the chicken stock.
* Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer.
* Cover the pot and cook for about 25 minutes so that the chicken fully cooks through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After simmering,
* Remove the chicken breasts from the pot.
* Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the pot.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Add some richness to your soup now!
* Stir in sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
* Let it simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally,
* Ladle your delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup into bowls.
* Top each serving with crumbled queso fresco for an extra touch of flavor before enjoying!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their soup for an extra zing.
• Crumbled Queso Fresco: Top each bowl with crumbled queso fresco for a creamy texture and authentic taste.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Add crispy tortilla strips for a wonderful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
• Diced Avocado: Include diced avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats, making the dish even more satisfying.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
• Cornbread Muffins: Pair with sweet cornbread muffins for a comforting touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

Perfecting Mexican Street Corn Soup requires attention to detail and a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to create an unforgettable dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when in season; it adds sweetness and texture compared to frozen varieties.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, depending on your preference for spice.
• Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy soup, blend half of it before returning the chicken, creating a velvety texture.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Cotija for unique flavors that complement the soup.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

To round out your meal, consider serving these delicious side dishes alongside your Mexican Street Corn Soup. Each option pairs wonderfully while bringing additional flavor and satisfaction.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides a delightful base that absorbs the soup’s flavors.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing offers a nice contrast in texture.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add smokiness and color, enhancing the overall dining experience.
4. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer before diving into the main course.
5. Elote-Style Corn on the Cob: This classic street food brings familiar flavors; brush corn with mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and chili powder.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice add heartiness to your meal while being visually appealing on the plate.
7. Cilantro Lime Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in lime and cilantro brightens up your plate while offering refreshing bites between spoonfuls of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect bowl of soup.

• Using unseasoned chicken: Always season your chicken before cooking to enhance the overall flavor of the soup. A little salt and pepper go a long way.
• Overcooking the corn: If you use fresh corn, be careful not to overcook it. Add it towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its texture and sweetness.
• Ignoring the creaminess factor: To achieve that rich, creamy texture, don’t skimp on the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Make sure to stir it in well for a velvety finish.
• Neglecting garnish options: Garnishes like cilantro and queso fresco elevate your dish. Be generous with your toppings for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is the foundation of your soup. Opt for good quality chicken stock or broth for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in the container for expansion.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Soup.

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option. It gives a similar creamy texture with fewer calories.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The heat level depends on how much jalapeño you include. For milder soup, reduce or omit the jalapeño entirely.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen fire-roasted corn works great in this recipe and saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort any time of year. Its creamy texture combined with vibrant spices makes it incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to customize it further with your favorite vegetables or toppings!