Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal in One Bowl

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious fusion of smoky, zesty, and creamy flavors inspired by Mexican street corn. This hearty dish combines grilled or seasoned chicken, roasted corn, fluffy rice, and a tangy, slightly spicy crema sauce. With the perfect balance of textures and flavors, this meal is both satisfying and easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor – The combination of grilled corn, seasoned chicken, and a creamy sauce makes every bite irresistible.
• Quick and Easy – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out the protein, or use different types of rice to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time for a tasty, reheatable meal throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Corn:

• 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Street Corn Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts and drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Cook the chicken on a grill or stovetop over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the corn kernels, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir frequently and cook for 5-7 minutes until the corn starts to char slightly.
3. Stir in lime juice and remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

1. If using pre-cooked rice, warm it up in a pan with butter and lime juice.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Step 4: Make the Street Corn Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and hot sauce.
2. Stir in crumbled cotija cheese and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the rice evenly among serving bowls.
2. Top with sliced chicken and roasted corn.
3. Drizzle the street corn sauce generously over everything.
4. Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeños if desired.

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein Swap – Try using shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Rice Alternatives – Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
• Extra Veggies – Add diced avocado, black beans, or roasted bell peppers for more texture.
• Make It Spicier – Use extra chili powder, hot sauce, or add chopped jalapeños for more heat.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh garnishes and sauce just before serving.

FAQs

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, black beans, or a meat substitute like plant-based chicken.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, just drain and rinse the canned corn before sautéing it in the skillet.

What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great alternative, or you can use Parmesan for a different but delicious flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble the bowls just before eating.

How do I make the rice more flavorful?

Cook the rice in broth instead of water and add fresh lime juice and cilantro for an extra kick.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken from a previous meal works great.

What’s the best way to get a smoky flavor in the corn?

Grilling the corn on the cob before cutting the kernels off adds a delicious charred flavor.

How can I make the sauce lighter?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the amount of mayonnaise.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from the chili powder and optional hot sauce, but you can adjust to your preference.

What’s a good side dish to serve with this?

A simple side salad, tortilla chips with guacamole, or a refreshing fruit salad complements this dish well.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold, flavorful meal that brings together the best elements of Mexican street corn with tender, spiced chicken and creamy sauce. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish is sure to be a favorite.

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