Street Corn Chicken Rice: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish

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Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with creamy Mexican-style street corn and fluffy cilantro lime jasmine rice. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, delivering not only flavors but also a healthy, high-protein option. Imagine layers of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors that come together in this delightful bowl of goodness. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

This dish is a culinary masterpiece for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly satisfying and bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of seasoned chicken and creamy street corn. Second, it’s a versatile meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado and pico de gallo, making it a hit for everyone. Third, it’s a quick street corn chicken rice recipe, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Additionally, it’s a healthy, high-protein meal that fits perfectly into any diet. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this is your go-to. With its cheesy texture and spicy notes, it’s no wonder this dish has gained immense popularity!

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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and oregano. Add olive oil and lime juice, then toss until chicken is well coated.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a pot, combine rice, water, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet or a separate pan, cook 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.
5. Step 5: Divide cilantro lime rice among bowls, top with chicken and creamy street corn. Add desired toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, onions, jalapeno, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.

Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice

Keep these in mind:

• This dish can be customized with your favorite toppings.
• Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
• Make sure to char the corn slightly for a smoky flavor.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor impact.
• Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

For the best experience, serve this dish in bowls where the layers of rice, chicken, and corn can shine. You can also consider pairing it with a side of street corn chicken rice salad for an added crunch. Another idea is to serve it with warm tortilla chips for dipping, enhancing the overall texture!

How to Store and Reheat Street Corn Chicken Rice

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can last up to 3 days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Chicken Rice

What is street corn chicken rice?

Street corn chicken rice is a delicious, layered dish that combines tender chicken with creamy Mexican-style street corn and cilantro lime rice, offering a mix of flavors and textures.

Can I make street corn chicken rice ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and corn ahead of time and assemble the bowls just before serving for optimal freshness.

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

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, and do not overcook the rice. Also, seasoning the corn properly enhances the overall flavor.

Variations of Street Corn Chicken Rice You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to mix things up! For a spicy corn chicken rice dish, add jalapeños to the corn mixture. You can also make a street corn chicken and rice casserole by layering everything in a baking dish and baking until bubbly. Alternatively, try a cheesy street corn chicken rice version by adding shredded cheese on top before serving.

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