DINNER

Street Corn Chicken Rice: 1 Amazing Meal

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Street Corn Chicken Rice has become my go-to weeknight meal, ever since I first tried a version of Mexican street corn chicken rice at a local festival. The aroma of grilled corn and seasoned chicken instantly transported me back to sunny days and vibrant flavors. I love how this easy street corn chicken rice brings that same exciting taste of summer right into my kitchen, with minimal fuss. The creamy, tangy dressing coating every fluffy grain of rice and tender piece of chicken is just pure magic. It’s a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up, even on the busiest nights. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

You’re going to adore this Street Corn Chicken Rice for so many reasons!

It’s bursting with amazing flavors – a perfect mix of savory, spicy, and creamy.
You can have this delicious meal on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
It’s a healthier alternative to some other comfort foods, packed with protein and fiber.
The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes before it even hits your taste buds.
This Street Style Corn Chicken Rice is incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
The Street Style Corn Chicken Rice is wonderfully versatile; feel free to add your favorite veggies.
It’s a satisfying one-pan option for minimal cleanup.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Ingredients

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating an unforgettable Corn Salsa Chicken Rice dish. You’ll need:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice – I prefer brown rice for extra fiber, but white works great too!
2 cups grilled corn – If you don’t have a grill, you can sauté fresh or canned corn in a hot skillet until lightly charred. This gives it that authentic street corn flavor.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These cook quickly and absorb seasonings beautifully.
1 tablespoon taco seasoning – This is your flavor shortcut to that delicious, smoky taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken and getting a nice crust.
½ cup mayonnaise – The base of our creamy dressing, making it rich and luscious.
2 tablespoons sour cream – Adds a tangy counterpoint to the mayo.
1 teaspoon lime juice – Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness.
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese – This salty, crumbly Mexican cheese is essential for that authentic elote vibe.
½ cup diced red onion – For a bit of sharp bite and crunch.
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that’s just perfect.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Always season to perfection!
Lime wedges, for serving – A final squeeze of lime really makes all the flavors pop.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice

Whipping up this amazing Street Corn Chicken Rice is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely delicious! It’s a fantastic way to get that vibrant Mexican street corn flavor into a hearty meal.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, season your chicken breasts generously with the taco seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have a beautiful golden-brown crust. This searing locks in the juices and adds amazing flavor.
Step 3: If you’re using fresh corn on the cob, now’s the time to grill it until it’s nicely charred. For canned corn, you can quickly sauté it in a separate pan for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and slightly browned – this really enhances the flavor, making it a step towards a truly spicy corn chicken rice recipe.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Season this creamy dressing with a little salt and pepper to taste. It should be tangy and rich.
Step 5: Add your cooked rice, the prepared corn, the ½ cup diced red onion, and the ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro directly into the skillet with the seared chicken. Gently toss everything together to combine.
Step 6: Place the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible, signaling a truly spicy corn chicken rice recipe is almost ready!
Step 7: Once out of the oven, let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to reabsorb its juices.
Step 8: Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice mixture directly from the skillet, or portion it into bowls. Drizzle generously with the creamy dressing and sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice from the lime wedges really makes this dish sing.

Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice

Want to elevate your Street Corn Chicken Rice from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

For that authentic street corn vibe, charring the corn is key. If you don’t have a grill, broiling it in the oven or using a cast-iron skillet on high heat works wonders.
Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken! It keeps it super moist and tender, which is crucial for a great Street Corn Chicken Rice.
Taste and adjust the dressing before serving. A little more lime juice or a pinch of salt can really make the flavors pop.
Consider adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the taco seasoning for an extra kick, turning it into a truly spicy corn chicken rice recipe.

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

The real magic in a perfect Elote Chicken Rice Bowl comes from layering those distinct flavors: the smoky char of the corn, the savory seasoned chicken, and that creamy, tangy dressing. Don’t skimp on the cotija cheese or fresh cilantro!

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep components ahead! Cook the rice and chicken, and make the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Grill or sauté the corn just before assembling for the freshest taste. This makes putting together your Street Corn Chicken Rice assembly even faster!

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

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken – make sure it’s just cooked through to stay juicy. Also, don’t forget to char your corn for that signature smoky flavor; plain boiled corn won’t give you the same street corn experience. For more information on proper cooking temperatures, check out foodsafety.gov.

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

This vibrant dish is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it in a few different ways to mix things up. For a truly satisfying meal, consider serving it as a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Avocado. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the smoky corn and seasoned chicken. You can find great avocado recipes at Simply Recipes.

Another great option is to serve it alongside some simple sides. A fresh, crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette is a wonderful contrast to the rich flavors of the bowl. You could also add a side of black beans or refried beans for an extra protein boost and a more complete meal. It’s all about building those layers of flavor and texture!

Nutrition Facts for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving for this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice bowl:

Calories: 550 kcal
Fat: 20g
Protein: 35g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice.

Street Corn Chicken Rice: 1 Amazing Meal - Street Corn Chicken Rice - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Street Corn Chicken Rice

Properly storing and reheating your Street Corn Chicken Rice ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come. Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze components like the cooked chicken and corn mixture for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, the best method is to use a Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet. Gently warm the rice and chicken mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s thoroughly heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth while reheating to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Chicken Rice

What is Street Corn Chicken Rice?

Street Corn Chicken Rice is a vibrant dish inspired by Mexican elote, or street corn. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with fluffy rice and the iconic flavors of grilled corn, creamy dressing, cotija cheese, and cilantro. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that brings the taste of a street food favorite right to your table.

How to make Street Corn Chicken Rice?

Making this delicious dish involves seasoning and cooking chicken, preparing the corn (grilling or sautéing), mixing rice with corn and other fresh ingredients, and assembling bowls. You’ll then top it all with a creamy dressing and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s a straightforward process that yields incredible results, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. For more tips on cooking chicken, see here.

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh grilled corn is fantastic, frozen corn works perfectly well for this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Thaw it first, then sauté it in a hot skillet with a little oil until it’s lightly charred. This step is crucial for developing that signature smoky flavor, so don’t skip it!

What other toppings can I add to my Street Corn Chicken Rice?

The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some popular additions include diced avocado, black beans, pickled jalapeños for extra heat, a dollop of salsa, or even some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. These variations can turn your basic Street Corn Chicken Rice into something truly special.

Variations of Street Corn Chicken Rice You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love experimenting with different ways to enjoy this flavorful dish. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Creamy Street Corn Chicken Rice: For an even richer experience, add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing, or even a splash of heavy cream. You could also stir some of the dressing directly into the rice and corn mixture before assembling the bowls.
Southwestern Street Corn Chicken Rice: Amp up the Southwestern flair by adding a can of drained black beans and some diced bell peppers (like red or green) to the rice and corn mixture. A sprinkle of chili powder or cumin in the dressing also adds a lovely depth.
Spicy Corn Chicken Rice Skillet: If you love heat, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of your favorite salsa verde into the rice mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Elote Chicken Rice Bowl: Easily make this a vegetarian delight by swapping out the chicken for a can of drained black beans or some seasoned, pan-fried tofu. It keeps all the delicious corn and creamy flavors intact!

About the Author

Fatima Garcia