Mexican Street Corn Soup

This Mexican Street Corn Soup combines the vibrant flavors of elote into a cozy dish that warms the heart. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week, this soup is rich, creamy, and satisfying. With fire-roasted corn and spices, it elevates any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Aromatics
• Chicken and Corn
• Spices and Seasonings
• Broth and Creaminess
• Fresh Ingredients
• How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
• Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings
• Step 3: Simmer the Soup
• Step 4: Shred the Chicken
• Step 5: Make It Creamy
• Step 6: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Pair with Tortilla Chips
• Top with Avocado
• Add a Squeeze of Lime
• Serve with Cilantro
• Accompany with a Side Salad
• Offer Hot Sauce on the Side
• How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?
• Can I make this soup vegetarian?
• How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?
• Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
• How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and creamy ingredients creates a delightful explosion of flavor in every spoonful.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy flavorful lunches throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its comforting taste appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will help you create this delicious soup effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for cooking all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Cutting board: A stable surface helps you chop vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quick and easy, ensuring even cuts for even cooking.

Ingredients

For this delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Aromatics

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

Chicken and Corn

• 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

Broth and Creaminess

• 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 Ingredients

• 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

Heat 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 and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Add the chicken breasts to the pot along with fire-roasted corn and diced green chiles. Season with Tajín, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes to let the chicken fully cook and flavors meld together.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove cooked chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Let simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes until well combined and creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled queso fresco before enjoying this delightful Mexican Street Corn Soup!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Mexican Street Corn Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement the rich flavors of this comforting dish.

Pair with Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips offer a satisfying texture contrast. They are perfect for scooping up the creamy soup.

Top with Avocado

• Fresh avocado adds a creamy and buttery element, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Add a Squeeze of Lime

• A splash of lime juice brightens the soup, balancing its richness with a refreshing citrus note.

Serve with Cilantro

• Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also provides a burst of herbal flavor, making each bite more vibrant.

Accompany with a Side Salad

• A light side salad can help balance the heartiness of the soup. Consider mixing greens with a tangy vinaigrette.

Offer Hot Sauce on the Side

• If you enjoy heat, provide a variety of hot sauces. This allows guests to customize their spice level according to their taste.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Soup turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose quality chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tenderness and flavor in your soup.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and spices whenever possible for a brighter taste.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different; taste as you go and adjust salt and spices accordingly.
• Simmer gently: Allowing the soup to simmer lets all flavors meld beautifully without overcooking the chicken.
• Blend for a smoother texture: For an even creamier consistency, consider blending part of the soup before adding back the shredded chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the soup’s flavors well.
2. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and richness, making your meal more filling.
3. Grilled Veggies: Lightly grilled vegetables bring a smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the soup.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread serves as a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides another layer of flavor while being perfect for dipping tortilla chips.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness to your meal.
7. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with spices offer a hearty companion to this dish.
8. Chips and Salsa: A classic snack that keeps things casual while enhancing flavor profiles at dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the aromatics: Neglecting to sauté the onions, jalapeño, and garlic can result in a bland soup. Always take the time to build flavor at this stage.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor the simmering time closely to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
• Not adjusting spices: Every palate is different. If you find your soup lacking flavor, taste it before serving and adjust the spices as needed.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality corn or stock can make a big difference in taste. Opt for high-quality fire-roasted corn and homemade or low-sodium broth for better flavor.
• Rushing the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer lets flavors meld together beautifully. Avoid rushing this step; let it cook for at least 25 minutes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-10 minutes until fully warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a creamy dish that captures all the flavors of elote, featuring fire-roasted corn, spices, and tender chicken.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version of Mexican Street Corn Soup, substitute chicken with beans or additional corn and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you add. For mild flavor, remove all seeds or use less jalapeño; for more heat, keep some seeds.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make Mexican Street Corn Soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also adjust toppings like avocado or extra cheese based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that warms both body and soul!