Street Corn Chicken Rice is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s colorful, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The inspiration comes from Mexican street corn; creamy, tangy, and smoky, paired with juicy chicken and fluffy rice for a complete meal. What I love most about this corn chicken rice recipe is that it captures the vibrance of street food while still being easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings joy to the table. If you enjoy comforting dinners like my Stick of Butter Rice, you’ll fall for this one too.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
The best recipes are the ones that balance flavor, texture, and convenience, and this street corn chicken rice delivers all three. The corn adds natural sweetness, the chicken provides protein, and the rice soaks up every bit of creamy, cheesy sauce. Plus, it’s versatile; you can serve it as a one-pan dinner, a meal prep option, or even a hearty side for gatherings. Another reason you’ll love it is that it’s family-friendly. Kids love the creamy corn and cheesy topping, while adults enjoy the slight kick from chili powder and lime.
And if you’re someone who likes customizable meals, this corn chicken rice recipe gives you plenty of room to play with toppings. For another dish that turns simple ingredients into something irresistible, check out my Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes.
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Street Corn Chicken Rice
This Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, charred corn, and fluffy rice into one comforting skillet meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice
2 chicken breasts (cooked and diced or shredded)
1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese (cotija, feta, or cheddar)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook chicken and rice until ready, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté corn until lightly charred with garlic.
3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine rice, chicken, and corn in the skillet, stir in sauce and half the cheese.
5. Top with remaining cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust spice level with jalapeños or cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients
To make street corn chicken rice, you’ll need simple pantry staples with a few fresh accents to brighten it up:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or basmati)
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked and diced or shredded)
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cotija, feta, or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
The combination of creamy mayo and sour cream makes the sauce rich, while lime juice keeps it fresh. Chili powder adds just enough heat without overwhelming the dish. This ingredient list is flexible, much like the one in my Whole Roasted Cauliflower, where seasonings can easily be adjusted to your taste.
How to Make It
- Cook the chicken and rice: Start with already cooked rice. For the chicken, pan-sear or roast it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dice or shred.
- Sauté the corn: In a skillet, melt butter and cook corn until it develops a light char. Stir in minced garlic.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine everything: Add rice, chicken, and sautéed corn to the skillet. Stir in the creamy sauce and half the shredded cheese. Let it warm through.
- Finish and serve: Top with the remaining cheese, cilantro, and an extra squeeze of lime.
This one-pan process keeps cleanup simple and dinner quick. For more easy comfort meals with bold flavors, don’t miss my Smothered Steak Recipe.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese swap: Cotija is traditional, but cheddar or feta works well.
- Protein twist: Try ground chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Add heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Meal prep: Store in airtight containers for up to four days.
This corn chicken rice recipe adapts beautifully to what you have in your kitchen. It’s similar to how my Air Fryer Pasta Chips can be adjusted with different seasonings to match your craving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make street corn chicken rice ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati gives the best texture, but brown rice or quinoa can be used for a healthier twist.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free mayo and sour cream. It’s naturally free of gluten when made with plain rice and seasonings.
Final Thoughts
Street Corn Chicken Rice is more than just dinner; it’s comfort food with personality. It blends smoky corn, tender chicken, and creamy sauce into a dish that feels festive and filling. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family meal or serving it at a casual gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. Like all good recipes, this one is flexible enough to make your own. So grab your skillet, squeeze that lime, and let this corn chicken rice recipe brighten your table. And when you’re craving more cozy recipes that bring everyone together, my Crockpot Lasagna Soup will be another favorite.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
