Creamy chipotle chicken corn has become my go-to comfort food, especially on chilly evenings. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of smoky chipotle and sweet corn filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel cozier. The blend of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and that luscious, spicy sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those nights when you crave something satisfying and flavorful. If you’re looking for an easy chipotle chicken corn bake that will wow everyone, you’ve found it! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
- The combination of smoky chipotle and sweet corn is a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
- It’s an easy chipotle chicken corn bake that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
- The creamy, spicy sauce coats everything beautifully, making each bite divine.
- It’s a fantastic one-pan creamy chipotle chicken corn that simplifies cleanup.
- You’ll love how versatile it is, easily adaptable to your spice preference.
- This creamy chipotle chicken and corn recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- It offers a delightful balance of tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and sweet corn.
Ingredients for Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
Gather these essentials for a truly delightful creamy chipotle chicken and corn recipe. You’ll find that each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and comforting texture of this dish. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; the notes offer great substitutions for this easy chicken corn chipotle recipe.
- 1 white onion, diced – for a sweet aromatic base
- 1 poblano or jalapeño pepper, diced – adjust amount for your spice preference
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – essential for depth of flavor
- 2 tsp chili powder – adds warmth and color
- 2 tsp cumin – brings an earthy, smoky note
- 1 tsp sea salt – enhances all the other flavors
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil – for sautéing the aromatics
- 2 cups frozen corn – provides sweetness and texture
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced – for a hearty, creamy base
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, diced – the star for smoky heat
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce – amplifies that signature chipotle flavor
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless – tender protein to soak up the sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth – the liquid foundation for our soup
- 8 oz cream cheese or crème fraîche – for that luxurious, creamy finish
- 6 slices of bacon – for a crispy, salty topping (optional but recommended!)
- 2 limes, optional garnish – to brighten the flavors
- Fresh cilantro, optional garnish – for a burst of freshness
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese, optional garnish – adds a salty, crumbly texture
How to Make Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
This recipe for creamy chipotle chicken corn is surprisingly simple, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. You’ll get that amazing, rich flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like home. Let’s dive into making this delicious chipotle chicken and corn skillet.
Slow Cooker Preparation
First, grab a large skillet and heat your oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, poblano or jalapeño pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for about 3 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant. Then, stir in the chili powder and cumin, letting them toast for another 2-3 minutes to really release their oils. Transfer this delicious mixture to your slow cooker.
Cooking and Finishing Touches
To the slow cooker, add the frozen corn, diced potatoes, diced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, the whole chicken breast, and the chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cream cheese or crème fraîche until it’s completely smooth and creamy, creating that signature spicy corn chicken creamy sauce.
Preparing the Toppings
While the soup is finishing up, it’s time for the best part: the toppings! Cook your bacon slices until they’re perfectly crispy using your favorite method – I love the stovetop for this. Once cooled slightly, crumble them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using them, prepare your optional garnishes like fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese, and have your lime wedges ready to go.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that take this creamy chipotle chicken corn from good to absolutely unforgettable. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness every single time. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a dinner party, these insights will elevate your dish.
- Toast your spices: Before adding them to the oil, briefly toast the chili powder and cumin in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds. This releases their essential oils, intensifying their flavor significantly.
- Don’t skimp on the chipotle: The chipotle pepper in adobo sauce is key for that signature smoky heat. If you love spice, add an extra pepper; for a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the pepper before dicing.
- Use full-fat dairy: For the creamiest result, I highly recommend using full-fat cream cheese or crème fraîche. It adds a luxurious richness that lighter versions just can’t match in this spicy creamy chicken corn casserole.
- Taste and adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. You might need a little more salt, a splash of lime juice to brighten it up, or even a pinch more chili powder to reach your desired flavor profile.
What’s the secret to perfect creamy chipotle chicken corn?
The secret lies in building layers of flavor. Toasted spices, the smoky depth from the chipotle peppers, and the richness from full-fat dairy are crucial. Also, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic melds all these elements beautifully, creating that signature creamy chipotle chicken corn flavor.
Can I make creamy chipotle chicken corn ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the soup base up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to stir in the cream cheese or crème fraîche until you reheat the soup to maintain its creamy texture. Cooked bacon should be stored separately.
How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy chipotle chicken corn?
A common pitfall is not toasting the spices enough, which dulls their flavor. Another mistake is using low-fat dairy, which can make the soup less creamy. Finally, don’t overcook the chicken breast in the slow cooker; it can become dry, so ensure it’s just cooked through before shredding.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
This rich and smoky soup is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. For a truly satisfying meal, I love serving this as a hearty main course. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Another fantastic option is to serve it as a starter alongside crusty bread for dipping – imagine scooping up that spicy corn chicken creamy sauce with every bite! You could also consider this a delicious component of a larger meal, perhaps alongside grilled chicken or even as a flavorful filling for tacos. This creamy chipotle chicken corn recipe truly shines when presented with complementary textures and flavors.
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
This creamy chipotle chicken corn recipe is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients. Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the recipe yielding 6 servings. It’s a hearty meal that provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Remember that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially regarding fat content from cream cheese and bacon.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
Properly storing and reheating this delicious creamy chipotle chicken corn ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. Once the soup has cooled down slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, store it in your fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is an excellent option. Ensure it’s in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative for this creamy chipotle chicken corn recipe. They tend to be more forgiving in the slow cooker and can result in an even more tender, flavorful dish. Just ensure they are cooked through, and you can shred them just like chicken breast. This is a great way to adapt the easy chicken corn chipotle recipe to your preference.
How do I make this creamy chipotle chicken corn recipe spicier?
If you love heat, there are a few ways to amp up the spice in this dish. You can add an extra chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce when serving. Remember, you can always adjust the spice level of this spicy creamy chicken corn casserole to suit your taste buds.
What can I serve with this creamy chipotle chicken corn?
This creamy chipotle chicken corn is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into that luscious sauce, or you could serve it alongside some fluffy rice. For a more complete meal, consider cornbread muffins or even some seasoned black beans. These pairings complement the smoky, creamy flavors of this chipotle chicken and corn skillet beautifully.
Variations of Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn You Can Try
This creamy chipotle chicken corn recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or culinary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quicker cooking method or a different flavor profile, there are several exciting variations to explore. Each offers a unique twist on the classic creamy chipotle chicken corn dish, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors in new and interesting ways.
- Vegetarian Creamy Chipotle Corn: For a meat-free option, swap the chicken breast for two cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans, or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian creamy chipotle corn that’s just as satisfying.
- Stovetop Quick Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn: If you’re short on time, this recipe can easily be adapted for the stovetop. Sauté the aromatics, then add everything except the cream cheese to a large pot. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender, then stir in the cream cheese. This makes for a quick creamy chipotle chicken corn.
- Extra Spicy Chipotle Chicken Corn Bake: For those who love a fiery kick, increase the number of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat in this spicy creamy chicken corn casserole.
- Smoked Paprika Variation: Enhance the smoky notes by adding 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the chili powder and cumin. This adds another dimension of flavor to the creamy chicken with corn and chipotle, making it even more complex and delicious.
Creamy Chipotle Chicken Corn: 4 Amazing Tips
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful creamy chipotle chicken and corn soup, topped with crispy bacon. This recipe is easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 poblano or jalapeño pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 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, boneless, skinless
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese or crème fraîche
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 limes, optional garnish
- Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese, optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, poblano/jalapeño, and garlic for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer sautéed mixture to a slow cooker. Add frozen corn, diced potatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, chicken breast, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in cream cheese or crème fraîche until fully incorporated.
- Cook bacon until crispy using your preferred method (stovetop or oven).
- Serve soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Toast spices before adding to release their oils and enhance flavor.
- For a spicier soup, add extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, remove seeds from the jalapeño.
- Dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or vegan cream cheese can be used.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with beans, chickpeas, or tofu, and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: N/A


