Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

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Introduction

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and delicious fusion of flavors, inspired by the popular Mexican street food, elote. This hearty dish brings together perfectly grilled chicken, smoky roasted street corn, a creamy lime dressing, and a base of fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal. The charred corn offers a smoky sweetness that complements the tender, seasoned chicken, while the tangy dressing adds a refreshing kick to every bite. Whether you’re in the mood for a filling lunch or dinner, this rice bowl delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

The first time I made this dish, I was amazed by how the combination of grilled chicken and roasted corn really captured the essence of street food flavors. Tossing the corn in a smoky seasoning before grilling it gave it that signature charred taste, and the creamy lime dressing added a cool contrast. The whole dish came together beautifully, and it quickly became a family favorite.

What I love most about the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is how versatile it is. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding a little extra chili powder or drizzle on some hot sauce for a kick. It’s also easy to customize—add some avocado for extra creaminess, or swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or steak if you’re in the mood for a different protein. No matter how you serve it, this bowl is a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy.

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Taco Tuesday
  • Summery meals
  • Street food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will become a favorite in your recipe rotation:

  • Bold Flavor Combination: The smoky, charred corn and juicy chicken combine with zesty lime dressing for an explosion of flavor.
  • Fresh and Vibrant Ingredients: Roasted street corn, fresh herbs, and seasoned chicken make every bite fresh and satisfying.
  • Complete Meal in a Bowl: With rice, protein, veggies, and a creamy dressing, this bowl has everything you need for a well-rounded meal.
  • Customizable: Adjust the heat with chili powder or add extra veggies, making it easy to tailor to your preferences.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store individual servings for quick, easy lunches throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 2 cups frozen corn)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for corn)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken breasts provide lean protein, but thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option.
  • Street Corn: Roasted corn adds a smoky, sweet flavor that’s a signature element of this dish.
  • Cotija Cheese: A salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a tangy finish to the dish.
  • Lime Dressing: The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and smoked paprika creates a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of smokiness.
  • Rice: A neutral base for all the bold flavors of the chicken, corn, and dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into strips.

Prepare the Street Corn:

  1. Roast the Corn: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn kernels. Stir frequently, allowing the corn to char slightly.
  2. Add Butter (Optional): If desired, add butter to the pan to enhance the flavor of the corn. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Make the Lime Dressing:

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Adjust to taste.

Assemble the Rice Bowl:

  1. Layer the Rice: Divide the cooked rice into bowls as the base.
  2. Add the Chicken: Place sliced chicken on top of the rice.
  3. Add the Corn: Spoon the roasted street corn over the chicken.
  4. Drizzle the Dressing: Drizzle the creamy lime dressing generously over the corn and chicken.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for added freshness.

How to Serve

  • As a Bowl: Serve as a single bowl meal with rice, chicken, corn, and all the toppings.
  • With Avocado: Add sliced avocado on top for extra creaminess and a touch of freshness.
  • In Wraps: Make a wrap by placing the ingredients in a flour tortilla for a handheld version of the bowl.
  • With Extra Veggies: Serve with a side of grilled veggies like bell peppers and onions for more color and flavor.
  • As a Salad: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a lighter, lower-carb version of the dish.

Additional Tips

  • Grill the Corn: If you have access to a grill, char the corn on the cob for even more flavor. Simply grill the corn until the kernels are charred, then cut off the cob.
  • Add Heat: Spice it up by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
  • Cook Extra Chicken: Make extra chicken for easy meal prep throughout the week.
  • Use Frozen Corn: If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just as well and can be quickly cooked in a pan.
  • Customize the Bowl: Add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or pickled onions to make it your own.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian Street Corn Bowl: Skip the chicken and add more roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  2. BBQ Chicken Street Corn Bowl: Swap the seasoning for BBQ rub and top with BBQ sauce instead of lime dressing.
  3. Spicy Street Corn Bowl: Add chopped jalapeños to the corn or mix a spicy chili sauce into the dressing for an extra kick.
  4. Shrimp Street Corn Rice Bowl: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp for a lighter, seafood version.
  5. Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl: Use cilantro lime rice instead of plain rice for a zesty variation.
  6. Chipotle Chicken Street Corn Bowl: Use chipotle seasoning for a smoky, spicy flavor in place of regular chili powder.
  7. Taco Seasoned Chicken Bowl: Use taco seasoning on the chicken for a Tex-Mex twist.
  8. Sweet and Spicy Street Corn Bowl: Add a drizzle of honey to the dressing or over the corn for a sweet contrast to the spicy flavors.
  9. Grilled Steak Street Corn Rice Bowl: Swap the chicken for grilled steak for a heartier option.
  10. Avocado Street Corn Bowl: Add chunks of avocado to the bowl for a creamy, healthy addition.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: This dish is best served fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and corn separately. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover rice bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid sogginess.

Special Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking the chicken and charring the corn to achieve that authentic street corn flavor.
  • Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken to a crispy, flavorful finish or for sautéing vegetables.
  • Rice Cooker: For perfectly cooked rice every time, freeing up your focus for the other components.
  • Corn Scraper or Knife: To remove the kernels from the cob efficiently after grilling.
  • Food Processor: Handy for making any sauces or salsas you might want to add to the bowl, like a creamy dressing or avocado salsa.
  • Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling the chicken and corn on the grill or in a pan without losing moisture.
  • Basting Brush: For evenly applying butter or sauces to the grilled chicken and corn, giving a richer flavor.
  • Zester or Grater: To add fresh lime zest or grate cheese (like Cotija) for topping.
  • Chopping Board: A sturdy board for slicing vegetables like red onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
  • Serving Bowls with Lids: If you’re packing the bowls for takeout or meal prep, these are practical for keeping everything together.

FAQ

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice works great and adds extra fiber and texture to the bowl.
  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the rice, chicken, and corn ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
  3. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, skip the cotija cheese and use dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives.
  4. What can I substitute for cotija cheese? Feta cheese or crumbled queso fresco make great substitutes for cotija.
  5. Can I make this gluten-free? This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels on the mayonnaise and sour cream.

Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavor-packed dish that brings together the best elements of street food into one satisfying meal. Smoky, charred corn, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing combine with a hint of heat and tang to create a delicious explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a fun dish to serve at a gathering, this bowl is sure to please with its vibrant, fresh ingredients.

Easy to customize, you can add your favorite toppings—like avocado, cilantro, or lime—for an extra burst of freshness. Serve it with a side of tortilla chips for some crunch or enjoy it as is for a balanced, hearty meal.

I can’t wait to see how you create your own Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version. Don’t forget to share any tasty twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

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