Yearning for that summer feeling no matter the time of year? This Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe delivers the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn, better known as Elote, directly to your plate. It’s a simple and delectable dish, blending tender chicken, sweet corn, light and airy rice, and a zingy flavor burst that the whole family will devour. Picture it as a reimagined street corn experience, served in a bowl with the satisfying additions of chicken and rice for a complete meal.
Why this Street Corn Chicken Rice is a Family Favorite
What makes this recipe a winner? It’s quick to prepare, allows for endless personalization, and is bursting with deliciousness. My children request it constantly, my husband asks for it every week, and I love that I can usually whip it up with ingredients I already have. On top of that, it’s a brilliant way to make use of leftover grilled chicken!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice
Alright, let’s round up everything we need to create this amazing Street Corn Chicken Rice! Getting your ingredients ready beforehand will make the whole cooking process a snap. Below, you’ll find a complete list, including what you’ll need for the chicken, the street corn-inspired rice, and even some optional toppings to make your bowls your own.
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and either shredded or cubed. Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Street Corn Rice
- 2 tbsp butter. This ingredient adds a rich depth of flavor to the rice.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati). These types of rice cook up beautifully light and fluffy.
- 2 cups chicken broth. This infuses the rice with a savory essence.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed. If necessary, canned corn can be substituted.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Adds a delightful creaminess and a hint of tang.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema. This brings a cool and refreshing note to the dish.
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta). Cotija is a wonderfully salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, but feta makes a perfectly acceptable alternative.
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Adds a fresh and vibrant element to the flavors.
- 1 lime, juiced. Absolutely essential for achieving that signature street corn tang!
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional). For those who like a bit of a spicy kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional)
Want to elevate your Street Corn Chicken Rice to an even higher level? These toppings will do the trick!
- Extra cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce. Feel free to use your personal favorite!
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice: Step-by-Step Instructions
Eager to start cooking? Just follow these easy-to-understand steps, and you’ll be enjoying your own mouthwatering Street Corn Chicken Rice in no time! We’ll begin by prepping the chicken, then we’ll move on to creating the flavorful rice, and finally, we’ll put everything together to assemble our bowls. If you are looking for a new way to use chicken, check out this almond chicken gravy recipe.
Preparing the Chicken
- If you’re starting with raw chicken, dice it into small, even-sized pieces. This ensures that it cooks both quickly and evenly. Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Introduce the chicken and season it with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is cooked completely through and there’s no pink remaining inside, usually around 6-8 minutes.
- Have some leftover grilled chicken on hand? Even better! Shred or cube it and gently warm it in a skillet with the same seasonings. This is a fabulous way to save precious time and prevent food waste.
Making the Street Corn Rice
- Now, let’s get to the heart of the recipe: the street corn rice! Melt the butter in a large pot or a Dutch oven set over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Introduce the minced garlic and continue cooking for about a minute more, or until you can clearly smell its enticing aroma.
- Stir the rice into the pot and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step helps to lightly toast the rice, which brings out a lovely nutty flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and allow it to simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid and is fully cooked.
- Time for the magic touch! Stir in the thawed corn, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime juice. If you’re adding jalapeno for a little heat, go ahead and stir that in as well. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the rice is wonderfully creamy.
Assembling the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
- It’s bowl-building time! Divide the delectable street corn rice equally among your serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with a generous portion of the prepared chicken. Now comes the best part: garnishing! Sprinkle on some extra cotija cheese, add a flourish of fresh cilantro, include a few juicy lime wedges, and, if you like, a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Get ready to enjoy your amazing homemade Street Corn Chicken Rice!
Tips and Variations for Your Street Corn Chicken Rice
One of the most appealing things about this Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe is how simple it is to adapt to your personal preferences! Here are some suggestions and variations that you can use to customize it to your liking. Be bold, be creative, and most of all, have fun exploring! You can make the recipe AIP friendly, by switching out some ingredients.
Spice it Up!
Do you love a bit of a kick? Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning blend for a fiery note. Or, drizzle a spicier hot sauce over your finished bowl. Remember, a little bit goes a long way when it comes to heat!
Make it Vegetarian
Transform this dish into a fantastic vegetarian option with ease! Just replace the chicken with some black beans for a satisfying and protein-rich alternative. Grilled halloumi cheese can also be added for a delectable salty and savory element.
Different Rice Options
While I usually reach for jasmine or basmati rice when making this recipe, you can absolutely mix things up! Brown rice will impart a nutty flavor and an extra dose of fiber. Quinoa makes another wholesome alternative. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times to match the package instructions.
Add Some Veggies
Incorporate some extra veggies for a nutritional boost! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans will all add a wonderful boost of vitamins and flavor to the rice component of this meal.
Make it Ahead
Take advantage of meal prep to simplify your weeknights! Both the chicken and the street corn rice can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in your refrigerator. This makes assembling the bowls super-quick on busy evenings. Make sure to reheat everything properly before serving. This also works perfectly for packing lunches!
Serving and Storing Your Street Corn Chicken Rice
Let’s discuss the best ways to serve and store your scrumptious Street Corn Chicken Rice to ensure you enjoy every last bite! Street Corn Chicken Rice can be a part of a healthy meal plan, if prepared in the correct way.
What to Serve With
This Street Corn Chicken Rice is so complete and fulfilling, it truly shines as a main dish on its own! However, if you’re wanting to add a little something extra to the meal, try pairing it with a side of black beans for more protein and fiber. A simple mixed green salad brings a pleasant refreshing element. And of course, you simply cannot go wrong with serving it alongside tortilla chips and your favorite type of salsa!
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you – that means a delicious meal awaits! Store your leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice in an airtight container within the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave until it’s heated through evenly, or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have some burning questions about Street Corn Chicken Rice? Fear not – I’m here to provide answers! Below you’ll discover some of the most common questions people have about this dish, designed to help you craft the absolute best bowl. A great side with healthy snacks.
What is street corn made of?
Authentic Mexican street corn, which is commonly called Elote, is a true culinary delight! Picture this: a perfectly grilled ear of corn, generously coated in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, or traditional Mexican crema, and then sprinkled with a generous helping of salty cotija cheese, a light dusting of chili powder, and a spritz of fresh, zesty lime juice. It’s a truly irresistible, albeit messy, treat that is often served by street vendors and at local festivals.
What to serve with Mexican street corn chicken?
This Street Corn Chicken Rice is already so flavorful and satisfying that it can easily stand alone as a complete meal! However, if you’re hoping to add some side dishes, think about preparing a simple black bean salad to give the meal an extra protein punch. Slices of creamy fresh avocado can bring a cool, refreshing touch, or a crisp green salad with a vibrant lime vinaigrette will help brighten up the flavors even more. And let’s face it, adding some crunchy tortilla chips and a bowl of fresh salsa or guacamole are always a welcome move when it comes to Mexican-inspired food! Also check out some of these, skewered appetizers for more inspiration.
What type of rice is best for rice bowls?
When creating rice bowls, long-grain rice varieties such as jasmine or basmati tend to be excellent choices. This is because they cook to a perfectly fluffy texture with distinct, separate grains, creating an enjoyable mouthfeel. If you’re partial to a slightly stickier texture, you can also use a medium-grain rice like sushi rice. For those seeking a nuttier taste and a boost in fiber, brown rice is another fantastic option to consider. The rice options, can sometimes impact your cholesterol, so its important to do your research. Check out some of the cholesterol levels in, healthy cream of rice bowls.
What is in Bojangles chicken rice bowl?
Bojangles’ chicken rice bowl is typically assembled with Cajun-spiced rice, your choice of tender grilled or crispy fried chicken (often featuring their popular chicken supremes), hearty pinto beans, shredded cheddar cheese for a touch of richness, and a creamy signature sauce. While our Street Corn Chicken Rice is a distinctly different creation, it shares the same goal of providing a comforting and incredibly flavorful eating experience, but with a fantastic Mexican street corn spin! For a quick and easy breakfast bowl, try building the perfect, perfect breakfast plate.
Enjoying Your Homemade Street Corn Chicken Rice
I truly hope that you and all of your family members enjoy this Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe as much as we do in my own home! It’s a fantastic, flavorful method for bringing the essence of summer into your kitchen, no matter what time of the year it may be. Be sure to embrace your creativity and try out different combinations of toppings, spices, and recipe variations, so that you end up crafting *your* idea of the ideal Street Corn Chicken Rice bowl. Above all else, remember to have fun while you’re in the kitchen and enjoy every step of the process. Happy cooking, everyone!