Chili’s Street Corn Recipe

Street corn has become a popular dish in recent years, and Chili’s version is no exception.

This tasty side dish combines the sweetness of grilled corn with the tanginess of a flavorful sauce, creating a delicious balance that you’ll want to make for your next summer barbecue or potluck.

The dish draws inspiration from Mexican cuisine, particularly the beloved elite, featuring grilled corn topped with garnishes.

To make Chili’s street corn at home, you’ll need fresh corn, olive oil, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cotija cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice.

The recipe involves roasting the corn until it’s charred and tender, then coating it with a zesty mixture of the sauce ingredients.

The dish is finished with more cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro to enhance its taste and appearance.

How to Make Chili’s Street Corn

Ingredients List

To make Chili’s Street Corn at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4-6 ears of Fresh Corn, husks and silk removed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet. Line it with aluminum foil.

Step 2:

Place the ears of corn on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring each corn cob is coated evenly.

Sprinkle with Kosher salt to season.

Step 3:

Roast the corn in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn is charred on the outside and tender on the inside.

Once roasted, remove the corn from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, hot sauce (if using), chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Mix well until you have a smooth and creamy mayonnaise mixture.

Step 5:

Spread the mayonnaise mixture generously over each roasted ear of corn, making sure to coat all sides.

Step 6:

Next, sprinkle the coated corn cobs with the crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese and the chopped fresh cilantro.

If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can press the cheese and cilantro onto the corn to help them adhere.

Step 7:

Finally, serve the Chili’s Street Corn warm, with lime wedges on the side for an extra tangy lime finish.

Your taste buds will be delighted by this flavorful side dish inspired by Mexican street food.

Remember, this roasted street corn recipe can be enjoyed as both a delicious and visually appealing side dish or even as a fun, interactive main course.

The combination of sweet corn, tangy sauce, and Mexican cheese creates a unique harmony of flavors that will surely make this dish a hit in your kitchen.

Side Dishes for Chili’s Street Corn

Chili’s Street Corn, with its delicious combination of charred corn, creamy sauce, and flavorful toppings, is a popular Mexican-inspired dish.

Pairing this tasty side with other complementary dishes can elevate your meal to the next level.

Here are some side dishes to consider serving alongside Chili’s Street Corn:

Black Beans

Black beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and adding them as a side dish is a great way to provide some extra protein and fiber to your meal.

You can keep it simple by simmering black beans with garlic, onion, and bay leaves, or spice it up with cumin and jalapenos.

Mexican Rice

Another classic Mexican side dish is Mexican rice. It is typically prepared by sautéing the rice, onions, and garlic in a tomato-based sauce.

The combination of warm, seasoned rice and the slightly spicy, creamy corn in Chili’s Street Corn creates a satisfying and flavorful contrast.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, can make an excellent side dish for Chili’s Street Corn.

As both the corn and the vegetables have that delicious char from grilling, serving them together can result in a harmonious and tasty combination.

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

Sometimes, you may want a lighter and more refreshing side dish to complement the creaminess of Chili’s Street Corn.

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw is a perfect choice.

Made with a tangy, lime-infused vinaigrette, this coleslaw brings a bit of brightness to your plate, offering a contrasting texture to the corn.

Guacamole with Tortilla Chips

Guacamole with tortilla chips is a classic Mexican appetizer that also works well as a side dish for Chili’s Street Corn.

The creaminess of the avocado and the crunch of the tortilla chips provide a nice balance to the char and spice of the street corn, making your meal even more enjoyable.

Serving Chili’s Street Corn alongside any of these side dishes will not only make your meal more delectable but also provide a satisfying, well-rounded dining experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

In this section, we discuss some possible ingredient substitutes that you can use in Chili’s Street Corn to cater to your preferences or dietary restrictions.

We cover frozen corn, vegan mayonnaise, and other main ingredient substitutes.

Frozen Corn

If you don’t have fresh corn on hand or it’s not in season, you can easily use frozen corn to make Chili’s Street Corn.

Make sure to thaw the frozen corn before cooking it.

While the texture may slightly differ from fresh corn, the taste will still be delicious, and your dish will maintain its unique flavor profile.

Vegan Mayonnaise

For those on a vegan diet or avoiding dairy, vegan mayonnaise is an excellent substitute for traditional mayonnaise.

You can find vegan mayonnaise in most grocery stores, or you can make your own using aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, or blending silken tofu with oil and seasonings.

This swap will ensure that the creamy element remains in your street corn while keeping it vegan-friendly.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese used in Chili’s Street Corn. However, if you cannot find it in your local store or prefer a different cheese, there are a few options:

• Grated Parmesan: Similar in flavor and texture, grated Parmesan is an easy substitute for Cotija cheese, adding a salty, cheesy finish to your street corn.
• Feta Cheese: Although it’s not traditional in Mexican cuisine, feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and saltiness that can work well in your street corn recipe.
• Vegan Cheese: To make Chili’s Street Corn vegan, use a plant-based alternative like nutritional yeast or soy-based cheese that crumbles easily.

Sour Cream

Sour cream offers a tangy, creamy taste, but if you need to replace it due to dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these options:

• Greek Yogurt: With a similar thick texture and tanginess, Greek yogurt can seamlessly replace sour cream in your street corn recipe.
• Vegan Sour Cream: For vegan diners or those avoiding dairy, use a store-bought vegan sour cream or make your own using vegan ingredients like cashews and lemon juice.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ingredient substitutes in your Chili’s Street Corn recipe to fit your specific dietary needs or preferences.

How to Store Chili’s Street Corn

After enjoying the delightful combination of grilled corn, tangy sauce, and flavorful cheese in Chili’s Street Corn, it’s essential to know how to store any leftovers properly.

Proper storage not only ensures that the dish remains fresh but also preserves its flavors.

Follow these storage methods to keep your Chili’s Street Corn tasting great.

Airtight Container

Using an airtight container is an excellent way to store your Chili’s Street Corn. Make sure the street corn has cooled down before placing it in the container.

Seal the container tightly to lock in the flavors and prevent any external odors from affecting the taste.

Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days at maximum to maintain freshness.

Covered Container

Another option is to use a covered container.

You can place the street corn in a container and simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Ensure that the street corn is completely covered to protect it from any external contaminants and maintain its flavor.

Also, store the covered container in the refrigerator, and it should last for 2-3 days.

By using these methods for storing Chili’s Street Corn, you can confidently preserve the taste and freshness of this delicious dish.

Remember always to store the street corn in the refrigerator and consume it within a couple of days for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Chili’s Street Corn.

Not Cooking the Corn Long Enough

The key to perfect street corn is a charred exterior, which brings out the smoky flavor and that extra kick.

To avoid undercooking, make sure you roast the corn for about 35-40 minutes in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F.

Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Overcomplicating the Sauce Mixture

The tangy sauce in the Mexican street corn recipe relies on the balance of simple ingredients.

A common mistake is using too many additional flavors, which can overpower the dish.

Stick to the basics: for a serving of four, mix 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Adjust salt and black pepper to taste.

Skimping on Cheese and Fresh Herbs

A combination of creamy cheese and fresh herbs elevates the dish’s savory flavors.

Use Cotija cheese or substitute with grated Parmesan if Cotija is not available.

Don’t hold back on adding a generous sprinkle of cheese to each cob.

Top it off with a tablespoon of fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor.

Incorrectly Seasoning with Chili Powder

Chili’s street corn gets its tangy flavor from the spicy chili powder.

While it is essential to provide some heat, using too much can overpower the other flavors.

Add a small amount of chili powder to the sauce mixture and serve the dish with additional chili powder on the side.

This way, you can control the spice level and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Remember to approach this popular dish confidently and mindfully, following the advice provided.

Chili’s street corn is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will surely be a hit at your next gathering.