It’s one of those weird weather times of year…Is it hot out? Is it cold?? Will it be both of those in just one single day? Yep! Yep! Yep!
So while in the daytime I am craving my favorite warm, grilled spicy Mexican corn on the cob, I’m not about to go stand out in the cool evening rain to attempt it. What’s my solution? This simple recipe of course!
As I stated just above, I’m all about Mexican street corn. I’ll take it on the cob (elote) or in a cup (esquites) and now I’ll take it out of my slowcooker in chowder form! The added shredded chicken in my recipe helps to hearty up this meal and the garnishment of queso fresco, lime, cilantro and chili powder make this legit! You can’t eat just one bowl, promise!!
*Vegetarian? Simply omit the chicken and prepare as written.
*The sautéing of the onions/garlic and roasting of the corn is optional, as you can add straight to the slowcooker. However, you’ll REALLY enhance the flavors of the chowder by doing this one extra step. The 5 minutes it takes is worth it friends!
The Starting Lineup
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cans sweet cream corn
- 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cups half & half (16oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I.e. Mexican, Colby, jack)
- 1 can green chiles, undrained
- 1/2 packet taco seasoning (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp evoo
Garnish
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Cilantro
- Chili powder
- Mexican crema (like a thinned sour cream)
- Jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- Mexican hot sauce (i.e. Tapatio)
If you read the opening paragraph to this recipe, you would have noticed the key words ‘simple‘ and ‘easy‘. So follow along closely 😉 ….
Heat a the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in the onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes, till slightly soft and translucent. Add in garlic and cook for 30-60 sceconds. Pour the onion/garlic mix into your slow cooker sprayed with a bit of non-stick spray.
In that same pan, crank up the heat a bit and pour in the cup of frozen corn. Toss and allow to blacken just slightly and then also add to the slow cooker.
Next, add all the remaining ingredients (except the garnishes) to the slow-cooker and stir to just combine. Cover and set on low for 6-7 hours. When finished cooking, remove the lid and shred the chicken with two forks.
Ladle into bowls and top with the crumbled cheese, cilantro, chili powder and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!!
Railroad Wife 