Street Corn Chicken Rice: 5 Flavorful Bowls to Try

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant and satisfying meal that features tender chicken, creamy Mexican-style street corn, and fluffy cilantro lime jasmine rice. This dish brings together smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. The combination of grilled chicken and street corn creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

This Street Corn Chicken Rice bowl is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a high-protein dish with approximately 47 g of protein per serving.
The creamy street corn adds a unique flavor that elevates the entire meal.
Preparation takes only 30 minutes, making it a quick option for busy nights.
Customizable with various toppings such as pico de gallo, diced avocado, and cheese.
It’s a healthy choice with only 566 kcal per bowl.
This recipe embodies the flavors of Mexican cuisine, perfect for any fan of elote chicken rice.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Gather these items:

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, thighs, or tenderloins (cut into bite size pieces)
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of one lime
3 cups sweet corn (frozen or fresh)
2 tbsp light sour cream
1/4 cup light mayo
3 tbsp cotija cheese (or finely grated parmesan or queso fresco)
1 tsp chili powder (or tajin)
Juice of half of a lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot sauce to taste
1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 1/4 cup water
1/4 cup minced cilantro (optional)
Juice of one lime
Lettuce
Pico de gallo
Onions
Jalapeno
Diced avocado
Tortilla chips

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and oregano. Add olive oil and juice of one lime, then toss until the chicken is evenly coated and well seasoned.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken pieces for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine rice, water, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in minced cilantro and lime juice.
Step 4: In the same skillet or a separate pan, cook the sweet corn over medium heat until tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in light sour cream, light mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder (or tajin), lime juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
Step 5: Divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls, top with cooked chicken and creamy street corn. Add desired toppings such as lettuce, pico de gallo, onions, jalapeno, diced avocado, and tortilla chips for crunch and extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the lime and cilantro.
Adjust the spice level by using more or less chili powder or hot sauce.
For a creamier texture, increase the amount of sour cream and mayo in the corn mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are a few serving ideas:

Top with extra cotija cheese for a richer flavor.
Add a drizzle of lime juice just before serving for extra zest.
Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Street Corn Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish is great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Chicken Rice

What is street corn chicken rice?

Street corn chicken rice is a delicious dish that combines seasoned chicken, creamy Mexican-style street corn, and flavorful cilantro lime rice. It’s a popular meal that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.

Can I make street corn chicken rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with street corn chicken rice?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and not overcooked, and rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier rice. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations of Street Corn Chicken Rice You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

For a spicy street corn chicken rice, add diced jalapenos to the corn mixture.
Make a street corn chicken and rice casserole by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking until bubbly.
Try using different proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a unique twist.

Street Corn Chicken Rice: 5 Flavorful Bowls to Try - Street Corn Chicken Rice - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Creamy White Wine Mushroom Chicken.

Street Corn Chicken Rice: 5 Flavorful Bowls to Try - Street Corn Chicken Rice - additional detail

For a delightful dessert, consider making Cranberry Custard Pie to complement your meal.