Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, hearty dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with juicy, seasoned chicken and a base of fluffy rice. This dish is packed with smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors, making it an irresistible choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of Flavor – The combination of grilled corn, tangy lime, and creamy sauce delivers a delicious taste.
• Protein-Packed – Chicken provides a satisfying and nourishing meal.
• Easy to Customize – You can switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Make it ahead for a quick and easy meal during the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Street Corn Topping:

• 2 ears of corn (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese

For the Rice Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both chicken breasts.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Make the Street Corn Topping

1. If using fresh corn, grill the ears over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cilantro.
3. Stir in the corn and cotija cheese until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rice Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
2. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, avocado slices, and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
3. Garnish with extra cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime wedges.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños to the corn mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream and mayo, and skip the cheese.
• Grilled Chicken – Instead of pan-searing, grill the chicken for extra smoky flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice – Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice to make it low-carb.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2–3
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes. The street corn topping is best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or extra black beans to make it a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, just drain and rinse the canned corn before mixing it with the sauce.

What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese works well as a substitute for cotija.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

What’s the best rice for this bowl?

Jasmine or basmati rice works well, but brown rice is a great option for added fiber.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.

What other toppings can I add?

Try adding pickled onions, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of guacamole.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.

How can I make this meal spicier?

Add extra chili powder or serve with a side of hot sauce.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining the smoky richness of street corn with tender, spiced chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option, this bowl is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it out and customize it to your taste!

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