Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Flavor-Packed Bowl with a Street Food Twist

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying dish inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, also known as elote. Combining juicy, seasoned chicken with charred corn, fluffy rice, and a creamy, zesty sauce, this bowl is a fusion of comfort and flair. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, meal-prep option, or even a crowd-pleasing addition to your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The creamy street corn mixture balances sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy notes.
• Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit different dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make components ahead of time and assemble when ready.
• One-Bowl Wonder: All elements are served in one bowl, making for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Jalapeño slices
• Hot sauce
• Extra cheese
• Green onions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Chicken
   • In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Coat the chicken evenly in the spice mix.
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
   • Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
2. Prepare the Corn
   • In the same skillet or a new pan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
   • Add corn kernels and cook until slightly charred (about 5–7 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro.
3. Prepare the Rice
   • Stir lime juice and cilantro into the cooked rice for a zesty base.
4. Assemble the Bowl
   • Layer rice at the bottom, followed by sliced chicken and a generous scoop of street corn mixture.
   • Add desired toppings and serve with extra lime wedges.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
• Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
• Spicier: Add diced jalapeños to the corn mixture or use a spicier chili powder.
• Cheese Swap: Use queso fresco or shredded cheddar if cotija isn’t available.
• Sauce Boost: Drizzle with chipotle mayo or a squeeze of sriracha for extra zing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. Add a splash of water to rice to prevent drying. Street corn mixture can be served cold or gently warmed.

FAQs

What kind of rice works best for this bowl?

Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work well. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice as alternatives.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the street corn beautifully.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works great—just thaw it and pat dry before charring in the skillet.

What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is the closest in flavor and texture. You can also use grated parmesan in a pinch.

How spicy is this dish?

It has mild heat from the chili powder. Adjust spiciness by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to your preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook all components ahead and store separately. Assemble bowls when ready to eat for best texture and flavor.

What other toppings go well?

Try shredded lettuce, pickled onions, diced tomatoes, or crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and freshness.

Is this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Double-check packaged items like mayo and spices for cross-contamination if needed.

How do I make it more filling?

Add black beans, pinto beans, or a fried egg on top for extra protein and satiety.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl delivers a bold, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something colorful and comforting, this recipe is a winning choice. Give it a try and bring the irresistible flavor of street food right into your kitchen.

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