Description
Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delectable, comforting soup inspired by the classic elote street corn. Packed with fire-roasted corn, tender shredded chicken, and vibrant spices like Tajin and chili powder, this soup combines creamy sour cream, tangy lime, and melty Monterey Jack cheese for a bold, zesty flavor that tastes just like your favorite street food—only spoonable.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Corn
- 2 (12 oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (12 oz.) package fire-roasted frozen corn (or fresh corn or other frozen corn)
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp. Tajin seasoning
- 2 tsps. ground cumin
- 2 tsps. chile powder
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
Liquids and Finishers
- 4 cups (32 oz.) chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups sour cream (full-fat) or Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Juice of one lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and chopped jalapeño, cooking and stirring frequently until the onions soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Main Ingredients and Season: Add the chicken breasts, fire-roasted corn, and diced green chiles to the pot. Sprinkle in the Tajin seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer gently for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled queso fresco, additional chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing just before eating.
Notes
- Fire-roasted frozen corn adds a smoky depth, but fresh or regular frozen corn works well too.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and lighter option.
- For extra heat, include the jalapeño seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sour cream.
- Leftover soup can be thickened with a little extra chicken stock when reheated.
- Tajin seasoning can be found in the spice aisle or online; it adds citrusy tang and mild heat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 33 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican