If you’re craving a side dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, look no further than the Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the fresh zest of green chiles and cilantro, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken, this rice dish will quickly become your go-to for bringing warmth and a little festive flair to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish full of character and flavor. Each component adds its own touch — from the luscious sour cream giving it creaminess to the green chiles adding a subtle kick and color that brightens every bite.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and rich savoriness instead of plain water.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For a subtle buttery richness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Makes the rice silky and creamy with a tangy twist.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, giving cheesy comfort in every forkful.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles: Provides a gentle heat and a pop of green color.
- 1 cup whole kernel corn (frozen or canned and drained): Adds sweet texture and brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory notes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Fresh herbaceous touch for garnish and brightness.
How to Make Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by combining the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and butter in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavorful broth and cook to a tender perfection. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes—this little wait makes all the difference in fluffiness.
Step 2: Fluff and Stir in the Creamy Goodness
With a fork, fluff the cooked rice to separate the grains and keep it light. Then, gently stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. This step transforms the plain cooked rice into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece, as the cheese melts beautifully and the sour cream lends its tangy texture.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Next, fold in the diced green chiles and corn—these add delightful bursts of flavor and texture with every bite. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, hitting that perfect balance of savory notes that will keep everyone wanting more.
Step 4: Final Touches
If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish. It adds a lovely hint of brightness and makes your dish look as good as it tastes. Your Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice, giving a fresh herbal lift that complements the richness of the sour cream and cheese. For a bit more color and crunch, you can also sprinkle some finely diced tomatoes or a handful of sliced green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds an exciting zesty brightness that elevates the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This rice shines as a perfect companion to classic Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with sautéed vegetables or a hearty black bean dish for a vegetarian meal. Its creamy texture and subtle spice make it flexible enough to complement a wide range of mains.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve this rice in individual ramekins or hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a festive presentation. You could also turn it into a layered Mexican rice casserole with beans and salsa, then bake it until bubbly. Whether plated simply or styled creatively, this Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe always steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Sour Cream Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before storing, allow the rice to cool completely to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the rice for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. To preserve texture, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
When warming up, add a splash of water, broth, or even a little more sour cream to restore its creamy texture. Reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts until heated through to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish completely vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative that still provides creaminess and tang. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened for the best result.
How spicy is the Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe?
The heat level is mild thanks to the green chiles, making it accessible for most palates. You can easily turn up the spice by choosing hot green chiles or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare this rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it a day ahead and reheat it before serving. Just add a little extra sour cream or butter when reheating to refresh its creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how simple and delicious the Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe is, I encourage you to give it a try the next time you want a crowd-pleaser side dish. It’s one of those comforting recipes that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table — creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Trust me, once this rice appears alongside your meal, it won’t last long!
Print
Mexican Sour Cream Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Sour Cream Rice is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring tender long-grain white rice cooked in flavorful chicken broth and mixed with tangy sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chiles, and sweet corn. It’s a perfect accompaniment for Mexican meals like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken, offering a rich and comforting taste with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 cup whole kernel corn (frozen or canned and drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and unsalted butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Afterward, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains.
- Mix in Creamy Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chiles, and corn kernels until well combined. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts fully and the mixture becomes creamy and evenly seasoned.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the rice for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve the warm Mexican sour cream rice immediately as a delicious side dish to your meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, substitute hot green chiles or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and calories while retaining creaminess.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or any Mexican-inspired entrée.
