Mexican Street Corn Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal that brings a taste of Mexico right into your kitchen, then this Mexican Street Corn Soup is just what you need! This soup captures the vibrant flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) in every comforting spoonful. It’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. I love how easy it is to whip up and how it warms both the body and soul. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have this delightful soup ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and rich flavors that make each bowl irresistible.
• Perfect for meal prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the ingredients based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand!
• Comfort food at its best: There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that just feels like a hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Mexican Street Corn Soup is all about using wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

• 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

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp Tajín seasoning
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp table salt
• ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper

Creamy Additions

• 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

Fresh Flavor Boosts

• Juice of one lime
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco

Variations

One of the best things about this Mexican Street Corn Soup is its flexibility! You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add an extra jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes!
• Creamy alternatives: Replace sour cream with cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and jalapeño, cooking until the onions soften, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant; this will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add the chicken breasts along with fire-roasted corn and diced green chiles. Season everything with Tajín, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices bring that authentic Mexican flavor we all love!

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25 minutes. This allows the chicken to fully cook through while infusing all those lovely flavors into the broth.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Don’t skip this step—shredded chicken mixes beautifully back into the soup for heartiness!

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Let everything simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes until well combined and creamy. This is where your soup transforms into something truly special!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your beautiful soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled queso fresco. Serve hot with extra lime wedges if desired! Your guests—or family—will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Street Corn Soup

Making the perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup is all about getting those rich flavors to shine through. Here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and veggies not only enhance the flavor but also bring more texture and nutrition to your soup. If you can, opt for in-season vegetables for the best taste.
• Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go! If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of jalapeño or Tajín seasoning. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Blend for creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding in the sour cream and cheese. This gives a smooth base while still keeping some chunky goodness.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
• Make it vegetarian: To create a vegan version, simply swap out the chicken and chicken stock for your favorite plant-based protein and vegetable broth, and use cashew cream instead of sour cream.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving your Mexican Street Corn Soup is just as enjoyable as making it! Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some ideas to make this dish shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some fresh green onions on top for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado complements the spices perfectly and adds a lovely richness to each bowl.
• Extra cilantro: A few additional sprigs of cilantro not only look beautiful but also enhance that fresh flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread makes an excellent companion, providing a comforting contrast to the hearty soup.
• Tortilla chips: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. They’re perfect for dipping into the creamy soup!
• Mexican-style rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro pairs well with this soup, making every bite delightful.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup while adding freshness.

Enjoy your meal! Each bite of this Mexican Street Corn Soup will surely warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Street Corn Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers or bags for expansion.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave individual portions; heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful dish!

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup brings together all the delicious flavors of elote, featuring fire-roasted corn, spices, and creamy goodness that make it a comforting meal.

Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with extra fire-roasted corn or your favorite beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a hearty vegetarian version.

How do I adjust the spiciness of Mexican Street Corn Soup?

You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño used or omitting it entirely. For a milder flavor, consider using sweet bell peppers instead.

How long does Mexican Street Corn Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last about 4 days in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy and comfort in making this Mexican Street Corn Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors that warms your heart and soul. Enjoy each spoonful as you savor its richness and let me know how yours turns out. Happy cooking!