Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting, and utterly delicious one-pan meal, look no further than this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, tender rice, sweet corn, and a burst of zesty flavors inspired by classic Mexican street corn. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Ready to bring a fiesta to your dinner table? Let’s dive in!

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet earns its place in your recipe rotation for so many reasons. First, it’s a complete meal in one dish — protein, grains, and veggies all come together effortlessly. The combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder infuses every bite with warmth and depth, while the fresh cilantro and lime juice add brightness that keeps it fresh and exciting. The crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist that mimics the traditional cotija cheese used in Mexican street corn, and the turkey bacon brings a smoky crunch without overpowering the dish. This recipe is quick to make and customizable, making it ideal for families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves bold flavors. If you enjoy dishes like Oven Baked Chicken And Rice, you’re going to love this skillet!

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 3 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Recommended Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking everything in one pot and ensuring even heat distribution.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: To dice the chicken and vegetables with ease.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To keep the seasoning balanced and the rice perfectly cooked.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
• Lid for the skillet: Essential for cooking the rice and chicken evenly by trapping steam.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet: How It’s Done

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and corn. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. This step brings out the natural sweetness in the corn and pepper, adding depth to your skillet.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the pan’s flavorful oils and veggie juices. Then, add the chicken broth and stir to combine everything. This is where the rice will absorb all those wonderful spices and flavors.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this lets the steam escape and could affect the rice’s texture.

Step 5: Finish with Feta, Cilantro, Lime & Bacon

Once the rice and chicken are cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and cooked turkey bacon over the top. Squeeze the juice of one lime across the skillet for a bright, tangy finish that mimics the classic street corn flavor. Gently toss everything together or serve as is for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Chicken: You can swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for juicier meat.
• Rice: Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and additional fiber, but increase cooking time and broth accordingly.
• Corn: Fresh corn kernels work beautifully when in season—just cut them off the cob.
• Cheese: If you prefer, swap feta for cotija cheese or even queso fresco for a more authentic street corn experience.
• Bacon: For a vegetarian version, omit turkey bacon or replace it with smoked paprika to add smoky flavor.
• Broth: Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter version.

Slip-Ups to Skip

• Don’t skip seasoning the chicken well before cooking—it makes all the difference in flavor.
• Avoid stirring the rice too much during simmering to prevent it from getting mushy.
• Make sure the skillet is covered during cooking to trap steam and cook the rice properly.
• Don’t forget the lime juice at the end—it adds the essential brightness that sets this dish apart.
• Be mindful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This skillet is a fantastic option for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and warm on the stovetop or microwave.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dinner for busy weeks!

Quick Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well but will need a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid. Adjust broth to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for about 40-45 minutes until tender.

Is turkey bacon necessary?

Turkey bacon adds a nice smoky crunch, but if you prefer, you can skip it or use plant-based bacon alternatives. You can also add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño with the bell pepper to kick up the heat to your liking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels to be sure.

You Might Also Like

• Oven Baked Chicken And Rice – Another easy, flavorful chicken and rice dish cooked to perfection.
• Fire Cracker Chicken Breast Bites 15 Min – Quick, spicy chicken bites perfect for a snack or appetizer.

See You at the Table

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Skillet is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its balance of comforting rice, juicy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty toppings makes for an unforgettable meal that’s both simple and spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this skillet delivers flavor, convenience, and satisfaction all in one pan. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. Happy cooking!

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