Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Fusion of Bold Flavors in One Bowl

The Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice. Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), this dish delivers a balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, it’s a hearty, well-rounded meal that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Balanced Flavors – A mix of smoky, tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy tastes.
• Easy to Prepare – Simple steps and common ingredients make this an approachable meal.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and can be easily reheated for quick lunches or dinners.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

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

For the Street Corn

• 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

For the Rice Bowl

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Optional Toppings

• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra cotija cheese
• Hot sauce or salsa
• Pickled onions

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
4. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the corn and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred.
2. Remove from heat and mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice.
3. Stir in crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowls

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, salt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Stir to mix.
2. Divide the rice among serving bowls.
3. Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of street corn.
4. Add any additional toppings of your choice.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and hot sauce if desired.

Recipe Variations

• Make It Spicier – Add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or toss some diced jalapeños into the street corn.
• Swap the Protein – Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Lighten It Up – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
• Grilled Corn – Instead of sautéing, grill fresh corn on the cob, then cut off the kernels for extra smoky flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
• Freezing: The rice and chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well for a quick and easy version of this bowl.

What’s the best rice to use?

White rice, brown rice, or even cilantro-lime cauliflower rice all pair well with this dish.

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain before cooking, or use it straight from frozen with an extra minute or two of cooking time.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great alternative with a similar salty, crumbly texture. Parmesan can also work in a pinch.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free mayo and skip the cheese, or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

What’s the best way to get charred corn flavor?

Grill fresh corn on the cob, then slice off the kernels. You can also broil corn in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare all components in advance and store them separately. Assemble just before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (including seasonings) are gluten-free.

What sauces go well with this bowl?

Chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or a drizzle of hot sauce pair wonderfully with the flavors.

Can I add beans for extra protein?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans make a great addition to boost protein and fiber.

Conclusion

The Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, well-balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. With tender spiced chicken, creamy elote-style corn, and zesty cilantro-lime rice, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a satisfying meal that you’ll keep coming back to.

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