Street Corn Chicken Rice: Amazing Fiesta Flavor

Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice: Amazing Fiesta Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; Juice of 1 lime; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Diced avocado; Sliced jalapeños; Extra lime wedges; Hot sauce

by Manar Jota

July 31, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice has quickly become my go-to for a weeknight meal that feels special. I remember the first time I tried authentic Mexican street corn – that creamy, tangy, slightly spicy flavor explosion! I knew I had to recreate it at home, and this Street Corn Chicken Bowl is the result. It’s an easy Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe that brings that vibrant fiesta straight to your kitchen. The aroma of seasoned chicken and sweet corn cooking together is simply irresistible, and the final dish is a colorful masterpiece. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice

An explosion of flavor: Creamy, zesty, and a little spicy, it’s a taste sensation!
Quick prep time: Ready in about 40 minutes for a delightful meal.
Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients for a balanced meal.
Budget-friendly: Uses common ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love this crowd-pleasing Elote Chicken Rice Recipe.
Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
A healthy twist on comfort food: Enjoy the goodness of this Elote Chicken Rice Recipe.
Easy to customize: Adjust spice and toppings to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Gathering these Street Corn Chicken Rice ingredients is the first step to culinary success. You’ll need:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced – this is the protein powerhouse of our dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken to perfection.
1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – our spice blend for flavorful chicken.
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – the star of our street corn flavor!
1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – these create the creamy sauce that makes it taste like elote.
1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese – for that salty, tangy finish.
1 teaspoon chili powder – an extra kick for the corn mixture.
Juice of 1 lime – essential for that bright, zesty flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped – for a hit of freshness.
2 cups cooked white or brown rice – the fluffy base for your bowl.
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil – to prepare the rice.
Juice of 1 lime and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – to season the rice.
For serving: Diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, and hot sauce.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice

Get ready for a flavor fiesta! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet recipe is simpler than you might think and delivers big on taste.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken. First, grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced chicken. Make sure it’s seasoned well with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Mixture. While the chicken is cooking, let’s whip up that amazing street corn sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned work great!), 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese, 1 teaspoon chili powder, the juice of 1 lime, and 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped. Give it all a good stir until everything is beautifully combined. The smell is already amazing!

Street Corn Chicken Rice: Amazing Fiesta Flavor - Street Corn Chicken Rice - additional detail

Step 3: Combine Rice with Flavors. Now, let’s get our rice ready for this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice. In a separate skillet, melt the 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add your 2 cups cooked white or brown rice. Pour in the juice of 1 lime and sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Stir gently to coat the rice evenly, infusing it with that bright, fresh flavor. This step really elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl. Time to build those beautiful bowls! Start with a generous base of the seasoned rice. Top that with the perfectly cooked, seasoned chicken. Next, add heaping spoonfuls of your creamy corn mixture. It’s starting to look like a true Chicken Elote Rice Bowl!
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy!. For the grand finale, top your Street Corn Chicken Rice with diced avocado and sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a squeeze of fresh lime. A drizzle of hot sauce is also a great addition. You’ve just made an incredible Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice

I’ve made this Street Corn Chicken Rice countless times, and these little tricks really make a difference to get that perfect flavor and texture:

For the creamiest corn mixture, don’t skip the mayonnaise and sour cream; they are key to that authentic elote taste.
When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is hot before adding it to get a nice sear and lock in the juices.
Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable here! It adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich flavors.
Consider using a mix of fresh and frozen corn for a more complex texture and sweetness.

Street Corn Chicken Rice: Amazing Fiesta Flavor - Street Corn Chicken Rice - additional detail

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

The secret to perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice really lies in balancing the creamy, tangy elote sauce with the seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. Using fresh lime and cilantro elevates every bite, truly capturing that authentic street food vibe. For more delicious recipes, check out our full recipe collection.

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prep the chicken and the corn mixture separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling. The rice can also be cooked and seasoned ahead of time. If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also like our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

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

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry. Also, don’t skimp on the lime juice or the creamy sauce ingredients, as they are crucial for achieving the signature elote flavor in your Street Corn Chicken Rice. For more cooking tips, you can explore resources on how to cook chicken breast.

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice

Serving up this vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice is a joy because it pairs so well with so many things! For a complete meal, I love serving it as a hearty bowl, just as the recipe outlines. Another fantastic idea is to serve the chicken and corn mixture alongside plain rice, allowing everyone to customize their own Chicken Elote Rice Bowl. If you’re looking for Street Corn Chicken Rice dinner ideas, consider adding a side of black beans or a simple green salad to round out the meal. It’s incredibly versatile! You might also enjoy our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros for another flavorful chicken dish.

Nutrition Facts for Street Corn Chicken Rice

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for our delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice:

Calories: 540
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to the MyPlate initiative.

How to Store and Reheat Street Corn Chicken Rice

To keep this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice tasting its best, proper storage is key. Once your meal has cooled down slightly, portion any leftovers into airtight containers. You can store this Street Corn Chicken Rice healthy recipe version in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple!

For the best results, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, usually taking 1-2 minutes. You can also gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. This ensures you get to enjoy those wonderful flavors again and again! For other great chicken recipes, try our Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry.

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 street corn, or “elote.” It combines seasoned chicken, a creamy corn and cheese mixture with lime and cilantro, all served over fluffy rice. Think of it as a deconstructed Chicken Elote Rice Bowl, bursting with fresh, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors that are incredibly satisfying.

Can I make this a vegetarian Street Corn Chicken Rice?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Street Corn Chicken Rice, simply omit the chicken and add extra corn, black beans, or roasted sweet potatoes. You could also use seasoned tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes for a similar hearty feel. It’s a very adaptable dish! For a different kind of hearty meal, consider our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

What are good side dishes for Street Corn Chicken Rice?

When planning your Street Corn Chicken Rice dinner ideas, consider sides that complement its zesty and creamy profile. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette, black beans, refried beans, or some tortilla chips with guacamole make excellent additions. Grilled vegetables or a light slaw also pair wonderfully. You might also like our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.

How spicy is this Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe?

The base recipe has a mild warmth from the chili powder. If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can easily increase the chili powder in both the chicken seasoning and the corn mixture. Adding fresh sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce at the end is also a great way to customize the heat level in your Street Corn Chicken Rice.

Variations of Street Corn Chicken Rice You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Street Corn Chicken Rice, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! For a delicious twist, try making a Spicy Street Corn Chicken Rice by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or including some finely diced jalapeños directly into the corn mixture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider swapping the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier Street Corn Chicken Rice healthy recipe. You could also transform this into a casserole by layering everything in a baking dish and baking until bubbly, creating a comforting Street Corn Chicken and Rice Casserole. Another idea is to grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for a smoky flavor that complements the corn beautifully.