Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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

Elevating weeknight dinners becomes a breeze with this street corn chicken rice bowl that combines bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Lime-infused rice creates a zesty foundation for the colorful medley.

Creamy elements and a sprinkle of cotija cheese add depth to each satisfying bite.

Crisp cilantro and a drizzle of chipotle crema bring vibrant layers of texture and taste.

Effortless preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this quick and delicious meal.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Crowd Favorites

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Crowd Favorites
  • Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious street corn chicken rice bowl in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Combines the smoky, tangy flavors of street corn with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice, creating a mouthwatering dish that'll tantalize your taste buds.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping ingredients, or adding extra toppings to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
  • Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Offers a balanced meal with protein from chicken, complex carbs from rice, and a variety of nutrients from fresh corn and garnishes, making it both delicious and nourishing.

Ingredients For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary source of protein in the bowl.
  • Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty and tangy flavor profile.
Corn Mixture:
  • Corn: Sweet and juicy vegetable that provides texture and freshness to the dish.
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy components that bind the corn mixture and add richness.
  • Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that enhances the overall flavor and adds tanginess.
Seasonings and Garnishes:
  • Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika: Spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken and corn mixture.
  • Cilantro, Jalapeño: Fresh herbs and spicy pepper that provide additional flavor and heat.
  • Rice: Neutral base grain that serves as the foundation of the bowl.
  • Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus accompaniment to brighten the dish.

Steps To Build Your Perfect Rice Bowl

Steps To Build Your Perfect Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Flavor

Grab your chicken and create a tantalizing spice blend using:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook chicken thoroughly until golden and completely done, ensuring no pink remains inside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Corn Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine vibrant ingredients:
  • Fresh corn kernels
  • Creamy mayonnaise
  • Tangy sour cream
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Crumbly cotija cheese
  • Dash of chili powder
  • Sprinkle of smoked paprika

Gently mix ingredients until beautifully blended and balanced.

Step 3: Build Delicious Bowl Foundation

Select a wide serving bowl and start layering:
  • Fluffy white rice as base
  • Perfectly cooked chicken
  • Luxurious corn mixture

Step 4: Elevate With Gorgeous Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh toppings to enhance flavor:
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Diced spicy jalapeños
  • Extra crumbled cotija cheese

Step 5: Serve With Zesty Finish

Present bowl immediately with fresh lime wedges alongside for extra brightness and tang.

Enjoy this explosive flavor experience!

Helpful Tips For Street Corn Rice Bowls

  • Experiment with different spice blends like taco or cajun seasoning to give the chicken a unique flavor profile.
  • Grill or char the corn kernels briefly for a smoky, caramelized taste that enhances the overall dish.
  • Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans for a versatile vegetarian or seafood alternative.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and add extra protein to the corn mixture.
  • Choose brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a heartier, more filling bowl.

Street Corn Bowl: Flavor Upgrades To Explore

  • Vegetarian Corn Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or black beans, keeping the same spicy corn mixture and rice base.
  • Quinoa Power Bowl: Swap white rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that maintains the street corn flavors.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the vibrant Mexican-inspired seasoning.
  • Spicy Shrimp Variation: Substitute chicken with sautĂ©ed shrimp, adding a seafood twist to the classic street corn bowl recipe.

Best Ways To Present Chicken Rice Bowls

  • Zesty Lime Drizzle: Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl to brighten flavors and add a tangy citrus kick that complements the rich chicken and creamy corn mixture.
  • Spice Adventure: Sprinkle extra chili powder or add hot sauce for those who love a fiery twist, creating a personalized heat level that matches individual taste preferences.
  • Texture Boost: Add crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips on top for a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft rice and tender chicken.
  • Fresh Herb Explosion: Chop additional fresh cilantro or green onions to scatter over the bowl, bringing a vibrant, garden-fresh element that elevates the overall dish.

How To Store Street Corn Rice Bowl Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken, rice, and corn mixture to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Pack components individually in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and corn mixture can freeze for 2-3 months. Rice tends to lose texture, so freeze separately.
  • Warm each component separately on medium power. Add a splash of water to rice to restore moisture. Heat chicken and corn mixture until steaming hot, stirring midway.
  • Quickly sautĂ© chicken and corn mixture in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil to restore crispness and revive flavors. Warm rice in a separate pan to prevent clumping.

FAQs

  • What makes the corn mixture special in this recipe?

The corn mixture combines creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty lime juice, salty cotija cheese, and spicy chili powder, creating a rich and flavorful Mexican street corn-style topping.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have cotija?

Yes, you can substitute cotija with queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan cheese for a similar salty and crumbly texture.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and optional diced jalapenos, but you can adjust the spice by reducing or omitting the peppers.

Print
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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mexican street corn meets hearty chicken rice bowl in this flavor-packed culinary adventure. Zesty spices, creamy cotija, and charred corn blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups white or brown rice
  • 1 cup corn kernels

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken with a robust spice blend of salt, pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika, then sear in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
  2. Create a vibrant corn mixture by combining sweet corn kernels with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder and smoked paprika, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Construct the bowl by spreading a fluffy base of white rice, then carefully arranging the seasoned chicken atop the grains.
  4. Generously crown the dish with the prepared corn mixture, ensuring even coverage across the protein and rice.
  5. Enhance the flavor profile by scattering fresh cilantro leaves, adding diced jalapeno for a spicy kick, and sprinkling additional cotija cheese for textural contrast.
  6. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by fresh lime wedges to allow diners to adjust the citrus brightness according to preference.

Notes

  • Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika levels to match personal heat tolerance, creating a customized flavor profile.
  • Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans for diverse dietary preferences and nutritional variety.
  • Use queso fresco or feta if cotija cheese is unavailable, maintaining the tangy and salty cheese element.
  • Prepare chicken, corn mixture, and rice separately in advance for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: SautĂ©ing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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