Zesty Mexican Corn Chowder Recipe That Wows Every Time

Steaming bowls of hearty Mexican corn chowder beckon on chilly evenings with their rich, comforting allure.

Culinary traditions blend seamlessly in this soul-warming dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.

Sweet corn kernels dance alongside tender vegetables in a luxurious, velvety broth that whispers of home-cooked memories.

Each spoonful bursts with vibrant flavors, balancing smoky undertones with fresh, bright ingredients.

creamy and satisfying, this chowder promises to be more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of robust, rustic cooking.

Ladle up this delectable soup and let its warmth embrace you like a culinary hug from south of the border.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder

• Vegetable Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and prevents sticking, choose neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.
• Frozen Corn: Sweet kernel base of chowder, select high-quality frozen corn for best texture and flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic foundation, pick firm onions without soft spots.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich liquid base, opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels.

• Garlic: Intense aromatic booster, choose fresh cloves for most robust taste.
• Cotija Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy dimension, select freshly grated for smoothest melting.
• Red Pepper: Introduces vibrant color and mild heat, choose bright, firm peppers.
• Cilantro: Provides fresh herbal note, pick bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidic touch, select ripe, heavy limes for maximum juice.

• Half & Half: Creates luxurious silky texture, use fresh, high-quality dairy.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Delivers concentrated seasoning, choose pure, non-clumping spices.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning elements, use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the chowder base.
• Blender: Key tool for creating a smooth, creamy texture by pureeing the corn mixture.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping onions, red pepper, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable cutting and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the chowder into individual bowls.

How to Prepare Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder Step by Step

• Corn and Onion Base

Warm oil in a large pot and toss in corn and diced onions. Let them dance and caramelize, creating a golden, fragrant foundation with rich depth of flavor. Cook until corn develops beautiful brown edges and becomes slightly crispy.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. This step builds incredible flavor layers that make the chowder sing with complexity. Allow everything to simmer and mingle.

• Creamy Transformation

Transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse until silky smooth. Return the liquid gold back to the pot, setting the stage for incredible texture and taste.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce cheese, peppers, cream, herbs, and spices to the pot. Let them swirl and merge, creating a symphony of Mexican-inspired flavors. The chowder will become luxuriously thick and wonderfully aromatic.

• Final Touches

Ladle the chowder into warm bowls. Sprinkle with extra cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dash of chili powder. Finish with a bright squeeze of lime to awaken all the hidden flavors.

Tips to Elevate Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder Flavor

• Unlock Delicious Variations
• Adjust chili powder or add diced jalapeños to control the spiciness. Start with small amounts and taste as you go for perfect flavor balance.
• Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced chorizo to transform this chowder into a heartier meal. Add proteins during the final simmering stage for maximum flavor infusion.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace cheese with plant-based alternatives. Roast additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and complexity.
• Prepare the chowder up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container. Gently reheat on stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency. Freshen up with additional cilantro and lime juice before serving.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as dairy-based soups can separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder

• Corn Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty chowder with warm, buttery cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for a delightful texture contrast that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform the chowder into a complete dinner by adding grilled chicken strips, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits on top for an extra protein boost.
• Mexican Fiesta Feast: Create a festive spread by serving the chowder alongside fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and warm flour tortillas to turn your meal into a vibrant, colorful celebration of Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Balance the creamy richness of the chowder with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to provide a light, fresh complement to the hearty soup.

Store Creamy Mexican Corn Chowder Properly

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup's creamy texture by gently reheating on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Freeze the chowder without garnishes in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh with fresh cilantro and cheese when serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the corn mixture and base up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then combine and finish cooking when ready to serve for maximum flavor development.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide chowder into individual meal-sized containers for quick lunch or dinner options. This method helps control portions and ensures easy grab-and-go meals during busy weeks.

Hearty Mexican Corn Chowder Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican corn chowder blends robust flavors from traditional Mexican cuisine with comforting chowder elements. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this soup a delightful meal for hungry diners seeking authentic southwestern warmth.

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Ingredients

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• 2 10-oz (280 g) bags frozen corn, cooked
• 2 cups half & half
• 14.5 oz (411 g) can chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 4 tbsps vegetable oil
• ½ white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 red pepper, seeded and diced
• 1–2 tbsps chopped cilantro
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Corn Base: Heat oil in a large pot over medium flame, sautéing frozen corn and diced onion until corn develops golden-brown edges and rich caramelized notes. Season with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Create Corn Garnish: Set aside one cup of roasted corn mixture for final presentation.
3. Build Flavor Foundation: Introduce grated garlic to the pot, quickly releasing its aromatic essence. Pour chicken broth, scraping the pot’s bottom to incorporate all caramelized fragments and develop deep flavor complexity.
4. Blend and Smooth: Transfer the mixture to a blender, carefully removing the center cap to allow steam escape. Puree until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Enhance and Enrich: Return blended base to the pot on low heat. Fold in Cotija cheese, pepper jack cheese, diced red pepper, half & half, reserved corn kernels, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, and chili powder. Adjust seasoning to taste, potentially intensifying heat with additional chili powder.
6. Finalize and Serve: Allow chowder to simmer, melding flavors completely. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with extra Cotija, fresh cilantro, reserved charred corn, a light chili powder sprinkle, and a zesty lime juice drizzle.

Notes

• Corn Caramelization Trick: Roasting corn until golden-brown edges develop deepens the overall flavor profile, creating a smoky, rich base for the chowder.
• Blending Technique: Ensure blender cap is partially open to release steam, preventing potential pressure buildup and potential kitchen mishaps.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Add Cotija and pepper jack cheese gradually, stirring constantly to achieve smooth, even integration without clumping.
• Flavor Balancing Tip: Adjust heat and seasoning at the end by tasting, using additional chili powder or lime juice to enhance the chowder’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg