Grilled Chicken Thighs & Cilantro Lime Rice With Street Style Corn

 Grilled Chicken Thighs & Cilantro Lime Rice with Street-Style Corn: A Recipe to Impress

Welcome back to my kitchen, where the chaos is real, but so is the flavor! Today, we're diving into a culinary escapade that promises to be as satisfying as finding a missing sock in the laundry ( seriously! how do they disappear? Yes! we're making Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Lime Rice and Street-Style Corn. That's right, we’re combining the tender juiciness of chicken, zesty rice, and corn that’s dressed better than I am on a Friday night. So grab your apron (or just a dish towel, we’re casual here), let’s whip up a meal that’ll have your family saying, “Mom, you’re basically a gourmet chef!” Just remember, if all else fails, there’s always takeout, right? 🍕😂 Let’s get cooking!

Before we dive into today’s delicious dish, I need to give you a little heads-up: this recipe packs a spicy punch that might just make your taste buds do a happy dance—or a cha-cha-cha, depending on your spice tolerance! 🌶️💃 If you’re sensitive to heat or cooking for the little ones, feel free to dial back the spice or leave it out entirely. Trust me, the flavors will still shine through, and your kiddos won’t even miss the heat

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken Thighs:

- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (because who needs a six-pack when you can have chicken thighs?)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tsp cumin

- 1/2 tsp chili flakes

- Salt to taste

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

- 1 cup long-grain white rice (the fluffier, the better!)

-Quarter of a medium onion

- 2 cups water

-2 garlic cloves

-chicken bouillon

- Juice of 1 lime (for that zesty kick)

-A handful of cilantro cup fresh cilantro

- Salt to taste

For the Street-Style Corn:

- 4 ears of corn, husked

-1 Jalapeno peper ( deseeded for less spice or less pepper )

-1/2 cup red onion

- 1/4 cup mayonnaise

- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

- 1 tablespoon chili powder

-1/4 tsp paprika, smoked

- Lime wedges (for squeezing, obviously)

-Salt

-Olive oil

Method:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 olive oil, 2 lime juice & zest, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 chili flake, salt. Whisk it up like you’re trying to impress a date. 

2. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well-coated in the marinade. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. (This is the chicken’s spa day; let it relax.)

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. To a blender, add onion, garlic, cilantro, water or broth, lime juice and blend until smooth.

2. In a medium sauce pan, add oil or butter to the pan & toast the rice until slightly brown.Then add your blended cilantro sauce to the rice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You may need more water or broth.

3. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. 

4. Fluff the rice with a fork, Your kitchen will now smell amazing!!

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan will do—just be prepared for a mini workout when flipping the thighs.

2. Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 

3. Remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. (This is the chicken’s “I just did a great job” moment.)

Step 4: Make the Street-Style Corn

1. Cut kernels off the cobb or you can use canned or frozen. Pan fry until lightly chard, then let cool and add to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add mayonnaise, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, cojita cheese, paprika, lime wedges chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until its dressed for a night out!

Step 5: Plate It Up

1. On a plate, serve a generous scoop of cilantro lime rice next to a beautifully grilled chicken thigh. 

2. Add the street-style corn on the side and don’t forget a lime wedge for extra zest. I did add pico de gallo.

3. Step back and admire your culinary masterpiece. You might just want to take a picture for Instagram—because if it’s not on social media, did it really happen? Make sure you tag me!

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Lime Rice and Street-Style Corn—a meal that’s as vibrant as your Pinterest board. Ready to Serve. Just don’t mention how easy it was; let them think you’re the kitchen wizard. Until next time, may your meals always be delicious and your kids somewhat well-behaved! 🍽️✨

Happy Cooking!