Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful dish that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. With less than 10 minutes of prep time, this creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. It features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and satisfying spices, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a creamy, delicious soup that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as an appetizer; it’s perfect for any meal setting.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and protein from chicken, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or crumbed Turkey Bacon to make each bowl unique.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
• Large sauté pan: Perfect for quickly sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker, enhancing their flavors.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe, ensuring even pieces for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

To prepare this creamy Mexican Street Corn Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Main Ingredients

• 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 Element & Toppings

• 8 oz cream cheese or creme fraiche
• 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: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat a large sauté pan to medium heat. Once hot:
2. Add the olive oil or avocado oil.
3. Sauté the diced onion, pepper, and garlic for about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in chili powder and cumin; continue sautéing for another few minutes until fragrant.
5. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. In the slow cooker, add:
2. Frozen corn,
3. Diced potatoes,
4. Diced chipotle pepper,
5. Adobo sauce,
6. Chicken breast,
7. Chicken broth.
8. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours.

Step 3: Finish Cooking with Creaminess

1. About 30 minutes before serving:
2. Stir in cream cheese or creme fraiche until melted and well combined.
3. Prepare Turkey Bacon on the stovetop or in the oven until crispy.

Step 4: Serve Your Soup

1. Once cooked:
2. Serve hot topped with crumbed Turkey Bacon, cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup can elevate your dining experience. This creamy dish pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors and textures.

Toppings to Enhance Your Soup

• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: Adds a savory crunch that complements the soup’s creaminess.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, herbal note that balances the rich flavors.
• Cotija Cheese: A sprinkle of this crumbly cheese adds saltiness and depth.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice brightens the dish and adds acidity.

Pairing Suggestions

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for a crispy texture contrast.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the soup’s richness.
• Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop can add creaminess and tang.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, follow these helpful tips for flavor and texture enhancement.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh onions, peppers, and garlic for a more vibrant taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the chili powder and cumin amounts to match your heat preference.
• Incorporate Other Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an even smoother soup, blend part of it before serving, then stir back in.
• Choose Quality Chicken Broth: A flavorful broth enhances the overall taste of your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

Pairing sides with your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.
2. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice adds heartiness and works well as a base under the soup.
3. Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole is a perfect match with spicy flavors.
4. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal grilled vegetables provide a charred taste that enhances every bite.
5. Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens up the meal.
6. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled tortillas add gooeyness and can be customized with different fillings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Not sautéing the onion, garlic, and peppers first can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always take a few minutes to enhance the flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high instead of low may cause uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 6-8 hours on low for the best results.
• Overloading with Ingredients: Adding too many extra ingredients can affect texture and flavor balance. Stick to the recipe for optimal taste and consistency.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt or spices as needed.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Relying solely on frozen or canned products can compromise flavor. Fresh ingredients yield a more vibrant taste in your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container for better preservation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with vegetable broth and use plant-based cream cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers! You can also adjust spices based on your heat preference.

What can I serve with this soup?

Pair it with tortilla chips or fresh bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn will give you a great taste but ensure it’s cooked until tender before adding it to the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is not only creamy and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings!