Street Corn Chicken Rice: 40 Minute Meal

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Street corn chicken rice has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that feels special but is secretly so easy. I first tried a version of this dish at a local food truck, and the explosion of flavors – sweet corn, spicy chicken, creamy lime sauce, all over fluffy rice – was pure magic. Now, I’ve perfected my own mexican inspired chicken and rice bowl that brings those vibrant street food vibes right into my kitchen. The aroma of seasoned chicken and toasted lime is incredible! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

• Incredible Taste: A vibrant mix of savory chicken, sweet corn, creamy elote topping, and zesty lime creates a flavor explosion.
• Quick Prep Time: This elote chicken rice recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy & Balanced: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the corn and rice, and healthy fats.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it a great value meal.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy the familiar flavors of chicken, corn, and rice.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels, toppings, and even the type of rice to suit your preferences.
• Mexican Inspired: Enjoy the authentic taste of Mexican street food in a convenient bowl format.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Gather these simple ingredients to create your flavorful Mexican street corn chicken bowl:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced – chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great too!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken
• 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – our spice blend for delicious chicken
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – fresh corn grilled or blistered adds amazing flavor
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – these create the creamy, tangy base for our elote topping
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese – cotija is traditional for elote, but feta is a good substitute
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – for a little kick in the corn mixture
• Juice of 2 limes – essential for that bright, zesty flavor
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped – adds a burst of freshness
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice – your perfect base for this elote chicken and rice recipe
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil – for warming the rice
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, and hot sauce

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice

Whipping up this vibrant Mexican street corn chicken bowl is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

   First, let’s get that chicken seasoned perfectly. In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle generously with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. You want to see those lovely spices caramelizing on the chicken for maximum flavor.

2. Step 2: Make the Elote Mixture

   While the chicken is cooking, it’s time for the star of the show: the creamy corn topping! In a separate mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of corn kernels (whether fresh, frozen, or canned, just make sure they’re drained if needed) with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir in the 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese, 1 teaspoon chili powder, the juice of 1 lime, and 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped. Give it all a good stir until everything is well combined and creamy. This mixture is what makes this an authentic elote chicken rice recipe.

3. Step 3: Prepare the Rice

   Next, let’s get the rice ready. In a medium saucepan or a clean skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice. Squeeze in the juice of the remaining lime and toss in a little extra chopped cilantro if you have it. Stir everything together until the rice is heated through and fragrant. This simple step adds a lovely brightness to the base of your street corn chicken rice bowl.

4. Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

   Now for the fun part – assembling your beautiful street corn chicken rice bowls! Divide the warm, lime-cilantro rice evenly among four bowls. Top the rice generously with the seasoned chicken. Spoon the creamy elote corn mixture over the chicken. Finish off your masterpiece with your favorite optional toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, and a few extra lime wedges on the side. This dish is a true celebration of flavors!

Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice

Want to elevate your Mexican street corn chicken bowl? Try these simple tricks for guaranteed deliciousness:

• For an authentic taste, grill the corn kernels briefly before adding them to the creamy mixture. This adds a fantastic smoky depth.
• Don’t skimp on the lime juice! It’s crucial for cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese, making the flavors pop.
• If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a great substitute, though it’s a bit saltier, so taste as you go.
• Marinating the chicken in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking really intensifies the flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice?

The real magic in this elote chicken and rice recipe lies in the creamy corn mixture. Using a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with lime and cheese creates that irresistible sweet, tangy, and savory elote topping.

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep most components ahead! Cook the chicken, prepare the elote mixture, and cook the rice up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful. For more information on food safety, you can check out the FoodSafety.gov website.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Street Corn Chicken Rice?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Be sure to cook it until just done. Another mistake is not seasoning the chicken enough; make sure to coat it well with the spice blend. Lastly, don’t skip the lime juice in the corn mixture – it brightens everything up!

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

This street corn chicken rice bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few extras to enhance your dining experience. For a truly authentic feel, consider serving it with a side of black beans or a simple pico de gallo. Another great option is to offer a small salad with a lime vinaigrette to add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich flavors. These complementary sides really round out the meal and make it feel like a complete feast, reminiscent of a bustling food market.

Nutrition Facts for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious Mexican street corn chicken bowl:

• Calories: 540
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your elote chicken rice recipe. For more details on healthy eating, visit the MyPlate initiative.

How to Store and Reheat Street Corn Chicken Rice

Leftovers of this fantastic street corn chicken rice are a treat, but proper storage is key to keeping them delicious. First, let the components cool down completely before packing them away. I like to store the chicken, rice, and corn mixture separately in airtight containers for the best texture, but you can also combine them if you’re planning to eat them soon. Stored this way in the refrigerator, this elote chicken and rice recipe will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the components for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave, on the stovetop with a splash of water, or even in a low oven until warmed through. This makes enjoying this Mexican inspired chicken and rice super convenient! For tips on proper food storage, check out our privacy policy.

Variations of Street Corn Chicken Rice You Can Try

Once you master the basic street corn chicken rice bowl, you’ll want to explore all the delicious ways to customize it! Here are a few ideas to shake things up and make this dish your own.

Spicy Street Corn Chicken Rice

For those who love a little heat, turning this into a spicy street corn chicken rice is easy! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the chicken seasoning mix. You can also amp up the spice in the elote mixture with a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper. Don’t forget to offer extra hot sauce at the table!

Grilled Chicken Street Corn Rice

Elevate your street corn chicken rice by grilling the chicken! Marinate the chicken pieces in the spices and olive oil for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight for deeper flavor). Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely charred, about 6-8 minutes per side. This adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the corn beautifully.

Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice

Looking for a healthy street corn chicken rice option? Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream in the elote mixture for plain Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein and lower in fat. You can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. Loading up on extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach in the bowl also boosts the nutritional value. Learn more about making healthy choices on our about me page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Chicken Rice

What is Street Corn Chicken Rice?

Street corn chicken rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street food. It typically features seasoned chicken, a creamy corn salsa (elote style), and fluffy rice, often finished with lime and cilantro. It’s a comforting yet exciting meal that brings together sweet, savory, and zesty notes in every bite.

How to make Street Corn Chicken Rice easy?

To make this elote chicken rice recipe even easier, use pre-cooked rice or a rice cooker. Rotisserie chicken can also be a great shortcut for the chicken component. For the corn mixture, using canned or frozen corn that’s been thawed works just as well as fresh. These simple swaps significantly cut down on prep time, making it a truly weeknight-friendly meal. You can find more tips on our homepage.

Where can I find Street Corn Chicken Rice takeout?

You can often find delicious street corn chicken rice takeout at Mexican restaurants, food trucks, or cafes that specialize in bowls and fusion cuisine. A quick online search for “Mexican bowls near me” or “food trucks” in your area might lead you to the perfect spot. Many delivery apps also feature this popular dish from local eateries. For terms of use regarding external sites, please see our terms of use.

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