Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of street food right to your home. This Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup combines sweet corn, creamy textures, and savory spices for a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or just enjoying it on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to impress with its rich taste and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With less than 10 minutes of prep work, you’ll spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy ingredients creates a deliciously comforting bowl of soup.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as a side, this soup fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and corn, it’s a nutritious option that’s full of flavor.
• Crowd Pleaser: Its creamy texture and bold flavors make it a hit among both kids and adults.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, gather the necessary tools to streamline your cooking process. Having everything ready will ensure an enjoyable cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
• Large sauté pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect sauté on your vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Sharp knife: Ensures smooth and safe chopping of ingredients, which saves time during preparation.

Ingredients

To create this fantastic Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 poblano pepper or jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced or minced

Spices

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, diced
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 6 cups chicken broth

Creamy Finish

• 8 oz cream cheese or crème fraîche

Garnishes (Optional)

• 6 slices of Turkey Bacon
• 2 limes, optional for garnish
• Cilantro, optional for garnish
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese

How to Make Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Once hot, add the oil and sauté the diced onion, pepper, and garlic for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin; cook for another few minutes until aromatic.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker.
2. Add frozen corn, diced potatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, chicken breast, and chicken broth.
3. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender.

Step 3: Add Creaminess

1. In the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in cream cheese or crème fraîche until well blended.
2. Cook until heated through.

Step 4: Serve

1. Prepare Turkey Bacon on the stovetop or oven until crispy.
2. Serve the soup hot topped with broken Turkey Bacon pieces, cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro if desired.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed!

Now you’re all set to enjoy your delicious homemade Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful experience. This creamy, flavorful soup can be customized with various toppings and sides to enhance its taste and presentation.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick.
• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for added flavor and a pop of color.

Add Crunchy Textures

• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: Top your soup with crispy Turkey Bacon for a savory crunch.
• Cotija Cheese: A sprinkle of cotija cheese adds a creamy, salty dimension to each bowl.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread complements the flavors perfectly.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is easy with a few simple adjustments. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor profile compared to frozen options.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili powder and chipotle pepper to suit your heat preferences.
• Incorporate Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for varied flavors.
• Texture Variation: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some corn whole for bites of sweetness.
• Slow Cook Longer: If time allows, cooking on low for longer can deepen the flavors even more.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the soup and add an enjoyable crunch.
2. Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad provides a cool contrast to the warm soup.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice serves as a hearty side that pairs well with the creamy soup.
4. Grilled Veggies: Charred grilled vegetables add depth and flavor, making them an excellent accompaniment.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make for filling and nutritious sides.
6. Simple Green Salad: A light green salad balances out the richness of the soup, providing freshness and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.

• Boldly skip the sautéing: Failing to sauté the onion, garlic, and pepper can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always start by sautéing these ingredients for better taste.
• Boldly overloading the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recipe measurements for best results.
• Boldly ignoring the cook time: Cooking for less than 6 hours may leave your chicken undercooked. Be patient and allow the full cook time for safe and delicious results.
• Boldly skipping the creaminess: Not adding cream cheese or crème fraîche will result in a thinner soup. Make sure to stir in these ingredients during the last 30 minutes.
• Boldly forgetting garnishes: Skipping lime juice or cilantro can affect the overall flavor profile. Always use garnishes for an added freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan while stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup that might help you along your cooking journey.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, using frozen corn works perfectly for this recipe and saves you prep time!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use crème fraîche or even a non-dairy alternative if you prefer a lighter option.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder and chipotle pepper you add. Adjust according to your preference!

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute chicken with beans or lentils and use coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! With its versatility, you can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!