Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro
Chicken rice dishes are a beloved staple around the world, and this recipe for Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro is no exception. With its vibrant flavors and comforting textures, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
This recipe takes the classic chicken and rice combination and elevates it with the addition of sweet corn and fragrant cilantro. The result is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and herbal notes that will delight your taste buds.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro apart is its exceptional flavor profile and the perfect balance of textures. The tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp-tender corn kernels create a delightful interplay that will have you coming back for more.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is also incredibly accessible and versatile. The ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Additionally, the dish can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for a wide range of eaters.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro ❓
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, sweet corn, and fragrant cilantro creates the Mexican-inspired flavor profile that has made these types of recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and spices, then pour in 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the frozen corn kernels. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the corn to heat through.
• Step 5: Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork, then stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional Mexican rice dishes that can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 541mg
These Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the regular white rice to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit any cheese or dairy-based ingredients and use a plant-based milk alternative in the rice cooking process.
• Added protein: Stir in an extra can of rinsed and drained black beans or chickpeas for a protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the skillet along with the corn for extra nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp, refreshing green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
• Complement the dish with a simple black bean soup or a light, citrusy slaw for contrast.
• For a Mexican-inspired feast, serve alongside grilled or roasted vegetables, warm tortillas, and a selection of toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, and lime wedges.
• Create a colorful and inviting spread by arranging the Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro on a platter alongside sliced fresh fruit, crunchy veggie sticks, and a sprinkle of toasted pepitas.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not seasoning the chicken properly: Make sure to season the chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
• Forgetting to fluff the rice: After cooking, it’s important to fluff the rice with a fork to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Adding the corn too early: Stirring in the frozen corn kernels at the end ensures they retain their crisp-tender texture.
• Skipping the fresh cilantro: The cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that ties all the flavors together, so don’t forget to stir it in at the end.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of cooking the rice, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked dish to cool completely, then portion into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring at 30-second intervals.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the cooked and cooled chicken and rice mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for another protein source. Ground turkey, ground beef, or even cubed tofu would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and season the protein to your taste.
Is there a gluten-free or dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make this Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, simply omit any cheese or dairy-based products and use a plant-based milk alternative in the rice cooking process.
What should I do if the rice is not cooking evenly?
If you find that the rice is not cooking evenly, try adding a bit more liquid (water or broth) to the skillet and covering it with a tight-fitting lid. This will help steam the rice and ensure it cooks through completely. You can also try stirring the mixture more frequently to promote even cooking.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of extra vegetables. Some great options include diced bell peppers, chopped spinach or kale, sliced mushrooms, or diced zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or as part of a larger spread for a weekend gathering, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, diverse textures, and mouthwatering taste.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Rice with Corn and Cilantro demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
