Street Corn Chicken Rice

Introduction

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the best of comfort food and street food-inspired flavors. This dish brings together tender grilled chicken, seasoned rice, and a creamy, zesty corn topping that’s reminiscent of Mexican street corn (Elote). The balance of savory chicken, sweet corn, and tangy dressing makes for a meal that’s not only delicious but also satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prep for the week, Street Corn Chicken Rice will soon become a favorite in your rotation.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Outdoor gatherings or BBQs
• Meal prepping
• Family-friendly meals
• Street food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with Street Corn Chicken Rice:

• Flavor-packed Layers: The combination of grilled chicken, seasoned rice, and creamy corn topping provides a variety of textures and flavors that work together harmoniously.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings to personalize the dish.
• Quick and Easy: While it’s packed with flavor, this dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh herbs, lime, and corn brings a lightness to the dish that keeps it from feeling heavy.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy the flavors in this hearty dish, making it a perfect family meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 60g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible Street Corn Chicken Rice:

Grilled Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

Rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste

Street Corn Topping:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Extra cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have more time).
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

2. Cook the Rice:

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken broth and ground cumin, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes (or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed). Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.

3. Prepare the Street Corn Topping:

1. Cook the Corn: If using frozen corn, thaw it in the microwave or on the stovetop. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the corn and chili powder, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is slightly browned and fragrant.
2. Make the Street Corn Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, crumbled feta or cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
3. Combine Corn with Sauce: Add the cooked corn to the sauce mixture, and stir until well combined.

4. Assemble the Dish:

1. Plate the Rice: Serve a generous portion of the cooked rice on each plate.
2. Top with Street Corn: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy street corn mixture over the rice.
3. Add Grilled Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into strips or chunks and place it on top of the rice and street corn.
4. Garnish: If desired, add slices of avocado, extra cilantro, and lime wedges for added freshness and flavor.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

Street Corn Chicken Rice can be served in several delicious ways:

• As a Main Dish: This hearty meal stands on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• With Fresh Avocado: Serve with sliced avocado for a creamy addition that balances the spice and tanginess of the dish.
• For Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping. Simply store individual servings in airtight containers for an easy lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
• As a Party Dish: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, especially at barbecues or casual get-togethers. It can be served buffet-style or plated individually.

Additional Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are some tips to make your Street Corn Chicken Rice even better:

• Use Fresh Corn: If possible, use fresh corn on the cob for the street corn topping. Grilled fresh corn adds a smoky depth of flavor that makes the dish even more special.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your personal spice preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.
• Try Brown Rice: Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice and adds a bit more texture and nuttiness to the dish.
• Use Grilled Chicken: For even more flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it. This will add a smoky, charred flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and substitute it with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Recipe Variations of Street Corn Chicken Rice

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

1. BBQ Chicken Street Corn Rice: Replace the grilled chicken with BBQ chicken for a smoky, tangy twist.
2. Shrimp Street Corn Rice: Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp for a seafood version of this dish.
3. Veggie Street Corn Rice: For a vegetarian version, add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini instead of chicken.
4. Spicy Street Corn Rice: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the street corn for extra heat.
5. Lemon Garlic Chicken Street Corn Rice: Marinate the chicken in lemon, garlic, and herbs for a fresh, zesty flavor.
6. Chipotle Street Corn Rice: Add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder to the street corn mixture for a smoky, spicy flavor.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice: Add extra lime zest and chopped cilantro to the rice for a fresh, herbaceous twist.

Freezing and Storage for Street Corn Chicken Rice

• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken, rice, and street corn mixture separately for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice, chicken, and corn topping will stay fresh and flavorful.

Special Equipment for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make Street Corn Chicken Rice:

• Grill or Grill Pan: For grilling the chicken and adding a smoky flavor.
• Rice Cooker or Medium Pot: For cooking the rice perfectly.
• Skillet: For browning the corn and mixing the street corn topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you’re adding the right amount of seasoning and ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and garnishing the dish with fresh herbs or avocado.

FAQ Section about Street Corn Chicken Rice

1. Can I use a different type of protein? Yes, you can substitute chicken with steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein option.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth you’re using is gluten-free.
3. Can I use frozen corn? Yes, frozen corn works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prep the chicken, rice, and corn ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and heat before serving.
5. Can I make the dish spicier? Absolutely! Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.

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Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a deliciously flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky grilled chicken, creamy corn topping, and zesty rice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal, preparing it for a barbecue, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor, Street Corn Chicken Rice is an irresistible meal everyone will enjoy.