Street Corn Chicken Rice

Introduction

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the smoky, savory goodness of grilled street corn with tender chicken and a fluffy bed of seasoned rice. Each bite is packed with the familiar flavors of Mexican street corn (elote)—the tangy lime, creamy cheese, and a hint of chili—elevated by the heartiness of juicy chicken and comforting rice.

I remember the first time I made this for a casual dinner with friends, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was irresistible. The combination of grilled corn, zesty lime, rich crema, and crumbled cotija cheese takes this dish to the next level, making it feel like a celebration in every bite.

What’s great about this dish is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels like a special meal. The grilled chicken adds a deliciously smoky depth, while the rice perfectly soaks up all the delicious flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this meal is sure to impress with its bold, fresh flavors and satisfying ingredients.

It’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the excitement of street corn and the comfort of a full, hearty meal. So, get ready to dive into a plate of vibrant, mouthwatering goodness that will transport you straight to a street food fiesta!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prep
• Weeknight meals
• Taco nights
• Outdoor BBQs

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here’s why Street Corn Chicken Rice will quickly become a favorite:

• Bold, Flavorful Profile: The smoky and spicy flavors of the street corn, combined with the creamy sauce and zesty lime, create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare but looks and tastes impressive. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for a special occasion.
• One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in one pan, which makes for easy clean-up.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat and flavors to suit your preferences, from making it extra spicy to using different proteins.
• Comforting and Filling: The combination of chicken, rice, and corn is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, making it perfect for satisfying hunger.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Street Corn Chicken Rice:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or Parmesan if cotija is unavailable)
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Tender chicken adds a lean protein to this dish, making it both filling and satisfying.
• Corn: The corn brings a natural sweetness and a slight smokiness, reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn.
• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese is a key component in recreating the authentic street corn flavor. It pairs beautifully with the creamy mayonnaise.
• Rice: The fluffy rice acts as a base to soak up all the wonderful flavors, creating a comforting foundation for the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Street Corn Chicken Rice:

Cook the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Rice and Corn:

3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Corn: Add the corn to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Finish the Dish:

5. Add the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet with the corn and garlic. Stir to combine and allow the rice to toast slightly in the pan, about 2 minutes.
6. Cook the Rice: Pour in 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor), bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.
7. Make the Street Corn Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the rice and corn. Drizzle the street corn sauce over the mixture and stir to combine, making sure everything is coated evenly.

Serve the Dish:

9. Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro (if using) and an additional sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a complete, flavorful meal that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve it as the star of your dinner table, either on its own or alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
• With Tortillas: For a more authentic touch, serve the dish with warm tortillas on the side to scoop up the rice and chicken.
• As a Side Dish: If you want to serve it as a side, pair it with grilled steak, fish, or tacos for a Mexican-inspired feast.
• With Extra Lime: Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.
• For Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep—simply portion it out into containers for lunches throughout the week.

Additional Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are some tips to ensure your Street Corn Chicken Rice is perfect every time:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like more heat, feel free to add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the rice or sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, using thighs will give the dish an even juicier and richer flavor.
• Fresh or Frozen Corn: Either fresh or frozen corn works well in this dish—just make sure to cook it until it’s slightly caramelized to bring out the sweetness and smokiness.
• Make it Creamier: For extra creaminess, you can stir in a bit of sour cream along with the mayonnaise.
• Use Broth for Extra Flavor: Cooking the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water will add extra depth of flavor to the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Lime: The lime zest and juice are essential to balancing the richness of the corn and chicken, so make sure to include them.

Recipe Variations for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are 10 variations you can try for Street Corn Chicken Rice:

• Street Corn Beef Rice: Swap the chicken for seasoned ground beef or steak to create a different protein base.
• Vegetarian Street Corn Rice: Skip the chicken entirely and add extra veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans, for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Shrimp Street Corn Rice: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist that pairs perfectly with the street corn flavors.
• Spicy Street Corn Rice: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the rice or sauce for a spicier version of this dish.
• Grilled Street Corn Chicken Rice: For extra smoky flavor, grill the corn and chicken before adding them to the dish.
• Avocado Street Corn Chicken Rice: Top the dish with sliced avocado or make a creamy avocado sauce to drizzle over the rice.
• Street Corn Pork Rice: Substitute pork tenderloin or pulled pork for the chicken for a richer, savory version of the dish.
• Coconut Street Corn Rice: Cook the rice in coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist on the dish.
• Bacon Street Corn Rice: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the rice for an added savory crunch.
• Lemon Street Corn Chicken Rice: For a fresh twist, substitute the lime with lemon and add lemon zest to the sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Street Corn Chicken Rice

• Freezing: You can freeze leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your recipe easier:

• Large Skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook the chicken, corn, and rice all in one pan, making it easy to combine the flavors.
• Grater: A fine grater is useful for zesting the lime and grating the cotija cheese.
• Rice Cooker (Optional): If you prefer to cook rice separately, a rice cooker can ensure perfectly cooked rice.

Frequently Asked Questions for Street Corn Chicken Rice

1. Can I use frozen corn?
   Yes, frozen corn works well for this recipe—just make sure to cook it thoroughly to bring out its natural sweetness.
2. Can I use a different cheese instead of cotija?
   Yes, you can substitute cotija with feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco, though the flavor will vary slightly.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prep the components in advance and store them separately. Just reheat and combine them when ready to serve.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your mayo and other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or broth to keep it moist.

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Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that takes the classic taste of Mexican street corn and transforms it into a hearty, one-pan meal. The smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors of the street corn blend perfectly with juicy chicken and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and packed with bold tastes.

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or at a festive gathering, the combination of vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors will be sure to impress.

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a fun and easy way to bring the taste of the streets of Mexico right into your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to make any meal feel special.
I’d love to see how your Street Corn Chicken Rice turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!