Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. This dish is creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky, thanks to a mix of cotija cheese, lime, and spices. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick weeknight dinner, this bowl is a delicious and hearty option.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Zesty – The combination of lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Easy to Customize – Swap out ingredients to fit your preferences, whether it’s using a different protein or adding more veggies.
• Great for Meal Prep – This bowl stores well, making it an excellent choice for lunch throughout the week.
• Balanced Meal – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Street Corn:

• 2 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed (or 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Rice Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup black beans (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
2. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

2. Make the Street Corn Mixture

1. If using fresh corn, grill the ears over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred. Then, cut off the kernels.
2. In a bowl, combine the corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Stir until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rice Bowl

1. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with sliced chicken, street corn mixture, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black beans (if using).
3. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!

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Recipe Variations

• Swap the Protein – Try shrimp, tofu, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative.
• Use a Different Base – Replace rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a bed of greens.
• Spice It Up – Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make It Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free mayo and cheese substitutes.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or stovetop. The street corn mixture is best served fresh but can be stored separately.
• Freezing: The chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the avocado and street corn mixture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare all components separately and assemble them when ready to eat.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! Drain and rinse canned corn before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

Feta cheese or parmesan are great substitutes.

How can I make this bowl healthier?

Use brown rice or quinoa, swap mayo for Greek yogurt, and add more veggies.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking it?

Yes! Grilling adds an extra layer of smoky flavor.

What’s the best way to char corn without a grill?

Use a hot skillet or broil it in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes! Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to taste.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Squeeze fresh lime juice over it and store it in an airtight container.

Is this dish gluten-free?

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

Can I serve this dish cold?

Yes, it works well as a cold rice salad!

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Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect fusion of bold Mexican flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal-prep option, or a fun twist on a classic rice bowl, this dish has it all. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal!

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