The Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a mouthwatering street corn chicken rice bowl brings together vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors in one incredible dish.

Kernels of sweet corn add a delightful crunch to tender, seasoned chicken.

Zesty spices dance across fluffy rice, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Creamy sauce drizzled on top adds a luxurious touch that makes you want to dive right in.

Cilantro and lime brighten every single bite with fresh, tangy notes.

Summer memories of street food markets come flooding back with each forkful.

Let this recipe transport you to a culinary adventure that promises pure deliciousness.

Storing Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl the Right Way

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store separately: keep chicken, rice, corn, and toppings in different containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerated leftovers stay good for 3-4 days when properly sealed.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly. Just ensure you cook it to the same internal temperature and slice it thinly to maintain tenderness.

• What if I don't have a grill pan?

A regular skillet or cast-iron pan will work great. The key is getting a nice golden-brown sear on the chicken for maximum flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and optional jalapeños. You can control the heat level by adjusting or omitting spicy ingredients according to your preference.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with grilled tofu, black beans, or roasted portobello mushrooms to create a delicious plant-based version of the bowl.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Full of Flavor

Quick and Easy Meal Mastery: Create a Delicious Dinner in Minutes

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold spices like chili powder and cumin, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken and rice into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with zesty southwestern flavors.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Swap ingredients easily by using different proteins, adding extra toppings, or adjusting spice levels to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Cooking Technique: Minimal kitchen equipment required – just a skillet or grill pan and basic cooking skills mean anyone can craft a mouthwatering meal without complicated steps or professional training.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or quick weeknight meals that satisfy both adults and kids with its colorful presentation and approachable ingredients.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Bowl

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides a rich and flavorful base for the street corn rice bowl.

• Rice: A fluffy and neutral foundation that absorbs the delicious flavors of the chicken and corn.

• Fresh Corn, Canned Corn, Frozen Corn: Sweet and caramelized kernels that add a classic street corn texture and taste to the bowl.

• Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: A vibrant spice mix that enhances the chicken's flavor and provides a warm, zesty profile.

• Sour Cream, Lime Juice: A tangy and creamy sauce that adds brightness and richness to the dish.

• Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, Jalapeños: Fresh and zesty ingredients that provide additional layers of flavor, texture, and heat to complete the street corn chicken rice bowl.

How to Make a Delicious Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Rice

Cook rice according to package instructions until fluffy and tender. Set aside while preparing other components.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder

Coat chicken thighs thoroughly with spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Grill Chicken

Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let chicken rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Roast Corn

If using fresh corn, grill cobs until slightly charred, then slice kernels. For canned or frozen corn, sauté in skillet with olive oil until golden and caramelized.

Step 5: Create Lime Crema

• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Garlic powder

Adjust lime juice for desired tanginess.

Step 6: Assemble Bowls

• Rice base
• Sliced chicken
• Roasted corn
• Optional toppings: cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños

Drizzle with lime crema and sprinkle additional chili powder.

Tips for Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Bowl

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the same zesty flavor profile.
• Prep corn kernels ahead of time to cut down on cooking time during busy weeknights.
• Use brown rice or quinoa as alternative base grains for added nutritional value and diverse texture.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or removing seeds from jalapeños for milder heat.
• Keep leftover lime crema refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, perfect for quick meal enhancing.

Creative Twists for Chicken Rice Bowl

• Vegetarian Street Corn Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu, seasoned with the same spice blend for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Street Corn Bowl: Swap chicken for blackened shrimp or seared salmon, maintaining the zesty lime crema and charred corn elements for a coastal-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Street Corn Bowl: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, keeping all original toppings and seasonings for a lighter, keto-friendly adaptation.
• Gluten-Free Protein Bowl: Use quinoa instead of rice and ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities while preserving the original recipe's vibrant flavors.

Perfect Complements for Street Corn Chicken Bowl

• Fiesta Flavor Fusion: Top each bowl with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and texture that complements the tender chicken.
• Southwest Spice Adventure: Sprinkle extra chili powder and add sliced avocado to enhance the bowl's richness and create a creamy contrast.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and green onions to brighten the dish and add a vibrant, zesty layer of flavor.
• Protein Power Boost: Add black beans or grilled shrimp alongside the chicken to create a more substantial and nutritionally balanced meal.

Quick Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets chicken rice in this zesty one-pot meal. Creamy, spicy flavors combine with charred corn and tender chicken for a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Grains:

• 2 cups white rice
• 2 cups brown rice

Vegetables and Corn:

• 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup cotija cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Citrus and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon additional garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice according to package instructions, allowing it to simmer until fluffy and tender.
2. Season chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, ensuring even coating.
3. Cook chicken in a hot grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
4. Rest chicken for 2-3 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. For fresh corn, grill cobs until lightly charred, then slice kernels off. For canned or frozen corn, sauté in olive oil until golden and caramelized.
6. Create lime crema by mixing sour cream, lime juice, and garlic powder, adjusting lime juice to desired tanginess.
7. Construct bowls by layering rice as a base, topping with sliced chicken and corn kernels.
8. Garnish with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
9. Drizzle lime crema over the bowl and sprinkle additional chili powder for extra zest.
10. Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant and fresh flavors of this street corn chicken rice bowl.

Notes

• Perfectly char corn by patting kernels dry before grilling to prevent steaming and achieve maximum caramelization.
• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the same bold, smoky flavor profile.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by cooking rice and marinating chicken simultaneously, reducing total cooking time and streamlining kitchen workflow.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or adding fresh jalapeños, allowing flexibility for spice-sensitive diners while maintaining recipe’s vibrant essence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg