Street Corn Chicken Rice

Introduction

If you’re looking to bring a burst of flavor to your next meal, Street Corn Chicken Rice is the perfect dish to try! Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote), this meal brings together juicy grilled chicken, creamy corn, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder—all served over a fluffy bed of rice. It’s not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, packing a punch of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this dish will surely become a favorite. Let’s dive into how to make it and why it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Street Corn Chicken Rice:

• Bold and Flavorful: The smoky, tangy flavors of street corn combined with the seasoned chicken create a party for your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a short prep time, this dish can be ready in under an hour.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or swap the chicken for another protein to make it your own.
• Healthy: With a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs, this meal is both nutritious and delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra servings and enjoy them for lunch the next day or freeze them for later.
• Comforting: The creamy corn and tender chicken make this a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: With a mild, creamy sauce and a little sweetness from the corn, it’s a hit with kids, too!
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or as a side to complement other Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Great for Entertaining: The vibrant colors and exciting flavors make this a crowd-pleaser at any party or BBQ.
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish can be made in one pan, saving you time on cleanup.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbohydrates: 50g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 5g

Ingredients

To make your Street Corn Chicken Rice, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

the Street Corn Sauce:

• 2 cups frozen corn (or fresh, if available)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta, if preferred)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, the chicken is seasoned with spices that complement the richness of the corn.
• Corn: The sweet, slightly smoky flavor of corn is the star of this dish, creating that signature street corn taste.
• Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese adds authenticity and a wonderful richness to the dish.
• Lime: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing to the dish.
• Rice: Serves as the perfect base to soak up all the creamy goodness from the corn and chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Street Corn Chicken Rice:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Make the Street Corn Sauce

1. Cook the Corn: In the same skillet, add the frozen corn and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly browned.
2. Mix the Sauce: While the corn is cooking, in a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Once the corn is ready, stir in the sauce mixture, allowing the flavors to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through.

Cook the Rice

1. Prepare the Rice: In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with the oil. Add the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Assemble the Dish

1. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the Rice and Corn: Spoon a portion of rice onto each plate. Top with the street corn mixture and sliced chicken.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime if desired.

How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to serve Street Corn Chicken Rice:

1. Family-Style Platter: Serve the chicken, corn, and rice in large bowls so everyone can help themselves.
2. With Extra Lime: Offer additional lime wedges on the side for those who like an extra citrusy kick.
3. Side Dishes: Pair with a simple salad, guacamole, or salsa for a full Mexican-inspired meal.
4. Taco Style: Serve the chicken and corn over rice in soft corn tortillas for a delicious taco-style meal.
5. With Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
6. Plated Individually: For a more polished look, plate each serving of rice, corn, and chicken separately with a garnish of cilantro.

Additional Tips

To get the most out of your Street Corn Chicken Rice, consider these tips:

1. Grill the Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicier, add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
3. Use Fresh Corn: If it’s corn season, use fresh corn off the cob for even more flavor and texture.
4. Add More Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for added nutrition and color.
5. Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
6. Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the cotija cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives to make the dish vegan-friendly.
7. Save the Sauce: The street corn sauce can be used as a dip for chips or as a topping for tacos.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few creative ways to mix up this recipe:

• Shrimp or Beef: Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or steak for a different protein.
• Spicy Street Corn: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the corn mixture for extra heat.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, serve the dish over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Crispy Corn: Roast the corn in the oven for a crispy, charred texture, which will add even more flavor.
• Taco Bowls: Layer the rice, corn, and chicken in a bowl and top with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Street Corn Chicken Rice fresh:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The chicken and street corn sauce can be frozen separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this dish:

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and the corn.
• Saucepan: To cook the rice.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken and garnishing the dish.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the corn sauce.
• Spatula: To stir the corn and sauce mixture.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Street Corn Chicken Rice:

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  Yes, simply skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or beans for protein.
• Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
  Yes, canned corn works just fine! Just make sure to drain it before using it in the dish.
• What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
  Feta or Parmesan cheese are good substitutes for cotija in this recipe.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prep the rice, chicken, and corn sauce in advance and assemble them right before serving.
• How spicy is this dish?
  It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust it by adding more chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Print

Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort food with a kick, combining creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it out and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!