Street Corn Chicken Rice

Introduction

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of grilled chicken, the creamy sweetness of street-style corn, and the heartiness of rice. Inspired by the popular Mexican street food, elote, this dish brings a fusion of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors to your plate. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful corn, while the rice adds a comforting base to tie everything together. I remember the first time I made this for a casual get-together, and the mix of flavors made everyone’s taste buds light up with joy.

What’s great about this dish is how easy it is to make, while still feeling like a special treat. The grilled chicken is perfectly seasoned, and the corn, with its combination of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and cheese, takes it to a whole new level. You can top it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added pop of flavor and color.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal, Street Corn Chicken Rice is sure to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that’s not only filling but also fun to eat, bringing all the best flavors together in every bite!!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prep
• Taco Tuesday
• Summer BBQs
• Mexican food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

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

• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of grilled chicken, street corn, and seasoned rice makes for a complete, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
• Street Food Inspired: It’s inspired by the beloved Mexican street food elote, bringing that familiar smoky, cheesy, and tangy taste to your home.
• One-Pan Meal: This recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require multiple pans, making it easy to clean up after.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level, toppings, or side dishes to fit your preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or saving for later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

To make this recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or parmesan if unavailable)
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors well.
• Street Corn: The corn is the star of this dish, bringing the familiar creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors from elote to the rice.
• Cotija Cheese: This Mexican cheese adds a savory, crumbly texture that complements the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the chili powder.
• Rice: The rice acts as a base, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the chicken, corn, and seasonings.
• Lime Juice: The lime adds a zesty, fresh kick to balance out the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Prepare the Rice and Street Corn:

3. Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a simmer. Stir in the rice and cook according to package instructions, about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Cook the Corn: While the rice is cooking, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and caramelized. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.
5. Mix the Street Corn: Once the corn is cooked, remove from the heat and stir in the mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Set aside.

Assemble the Dish:

6. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
7. Combine the Rice and Street Corn: Once the rice is done, stir in the cooked street corn mixture, combining it evenly with the rice.
8. Top with Chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the rice and corn mixture.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

This recipe is a delicious, hearty meal that can be served in many ways:

• As a Main Dish: This dish works perfectly as a filling main course for lunch or dinner.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh side salad or a simple avocado salad to balance the richness of the rice.
• For Taco Tuesday: Add this dish to your taco spread for a different take on Mexican-inspired food.
• With a Cold Drink: Pair with a cold drink like margaritas, iced tea, or soda for a refreshing meal experience.
• As Leftovers: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for lunch the next day.

Additional Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe is perfect every time:

• Use Fresh or Frozen Corn: Fresh or frozen corn works best for this recipe, but canned corn can also be used if needed.
• Grill the Chicken: If you prefer, you can grill the chicken for an extra smoky flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the street corn mixture.
• Swap the Rice: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as a base if you prefer a different grain or a low-carb option.
• Add More Toppings: Feel free to top with more cotija cheese, a drizzle of crema, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Grilled Street Corn Chicken Rice: Grill the corn instead of cooking it in a pan for a more charred, smoky flavor.
• Shrimp Street Corn Rice: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp for a lighter variation.
• Spicy Street Corn Chicken Rice: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the rice for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Street Corn Rice: Omit the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans.
• Chipotle Street Corn Chicken Rice: Add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Mango Street Corn Chicken Rice: Stir in some diced mango with the street corn for a touch of sweetness and color.
• BBQ Street Corn Chicken Rice: Coat the chicken with barbecue sauce before cooking for a tangy, smoky twist.
• Vegan Street Corn Rice: Use dairy-free mayo and skip the cotija cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Pineapple Street Corn Chicken Rice: Add some diced pineapple to the rice for a tropical flair that complements the smoky flavors.
• Cauliflower Rice Street Corn Chicken Rice: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to make the dish lower in carbs.

Freezing and Storage for Street Corn Chicken Rice

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply store the rice, corn, and chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Special Equipment for Street Corn Chicken Rice

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

• Skillet: A large skillet is perfect for cooking both the chicken and corn.
• Rice Cooker: A rice cooker ensures perfectly cooked rice every time.
• Tongs: Use tongs to easily flip the chicken while cooking.
• Lime Squeezer: A lime squeezer helps get every drop of juice from the lime without the mess.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing the chicken and chopping cilantro.
• Airtight Containers: For storing leftovers or meal prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions for Street Corn Chicken Rice

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can skip the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
3. How do I store leftover rice?
   Store leftover rice, chicken, and corn in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes, you can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
5. What can I serve this dish with?
   It pairs well with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or simple avocado slices for extra creaminess.

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Conclusion

This recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together smoky grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and hearty rice for a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. The combination of tender chicken and the rich, creamy street corn provides a perfect balance of textures, while the rice ties it all together in a comforting, hearty base.

This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite seasonings or toppings, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a gathering, or simply enjoying a delicious weeknight dinner, Street Corn Chicken Rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

I’d love to see how your Street Corn Chicken Rice turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your flavorful creations. Happy cooking!