Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Flavor-Packed Meal in One Bowl

If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying meal with bold flavors and a mix of textures, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect choice. This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken with creamy and tangy street corn, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Topped with fresh garnishes and a zesty sauce, this bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), this dish features a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy notes.
• Easy to Prepare: While it looks gourmet, this dish is simple and can be made in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Swap the protein, adjust the spice level, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Rice Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
2. Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
4. Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the corn kernels and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred.
3. Remove from heat and mix in mayonnaise, chili powder, garlic powder, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with the sliced chicken and street corn mixture.
3. Drizzle with sour cream (or Greek yogurt) mixed with hot sauce, if using.
4. Garnish with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Rice Options: Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or Mexican rice for variety.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, black beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder or add a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.

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: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat.
• Freezing: The chicken and corn can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just mix it with the seasonings and lime juice for extra flavor.

What type of rice works best?

Cilantro-lime rice adds a great flavor, but plain white or brown rice works well too.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cotija cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Is there a way to make this low-carb?

Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a grain-free version.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds an extra smoky flavor that pairs well with the street corn.

How do I char the corn without a skillet?

You can broil the corn in the oven for a few minutes or grill it for a more authentic taste.

What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese or Parmesan are good alternatives if cotija is unavailable.

Can I add beans to this bowl?

Yes! Black beans or pinto beans add extra protein and texture.

What’s the best way to store the components separately?

Keep the rice, chicken, and corn in separate containers for easy meal prep and reheating.

What other sauces pair well with this bowl?

Try a drizzle of chipotle aioli, avocado crema, or a squeeze of extra lime juice.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, satisfying meal that brings together smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a fun way to enjoy street corn-inspired flavors at home. With endless variations and simple prep, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!

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