This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines juicy chicken, smoky charred corn, and creamy, zesty toppings for a flavorful, satisfying meal thatโs easy to make. Itโs perfect for weeknights and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: A mix of savory, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it great for busy nights.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or substitutions.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers for a delicious meal later in the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- Fresh or frozen corn
- Mayonnaise
- Cotija cheese or feta cheese
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Char the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn and cook over medium-high heat until slightly charred.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of rice, then top with sliced chicken, charred corn, sauce, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled tofu.
- Grain Swap: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro instead of rice.
- Extra Heat: Add jalapeรฑo slices or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Cheese Options: Try Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative if Cotija isnโt available.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
How can I make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeรฑos, extra chili powder, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Thaw it first, or add directly to the skillet to char.
What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp, ground turkey, or steak are great alternatives.
Is there a vegan option for the sauce?
Use vegan mayonnaise or plain coconut yogurt with lime juice.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Shred or slice cooked chicken and warm it before adding to the bowl.
Whatโs a good substitute for Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese or Parmesan are excellent options.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice all work well for this dish.
How do I get a good char on the corn?
Use a hot skillet and avoid stirring too often to allow the kernels to brown.
Can I freeze this dish?
While fresh is best, you can freeze the chicken and corn separately for up to 2 months. Rice can also be frozen, but the texture may change.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful mix of flavors and textures thatโs easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre meal-prepping or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Try it out and enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal!
PrintStreet Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender, seasoned chicken, creamy and tangy street corn, and fluffy rice for a delicious, satisfying meal. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of chili powder, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp lime zest (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Additional cotija cheese
- Sliced jalapeรฑos
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Street Corn:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the corn and sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly charred.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Stir this mixture into the cooked corn. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Prepare the Rice:
- Cook rice according to package instructions if not already prepared.
- Stir in salt and lime zest (if using) to the cooked rice for added flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
- Top with seasoned chicken and a generous portion of the street corn.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, additional cotija cheese, jalapeรฑos, or hot sauce as desired.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Use pre-cooked rice for a faster meal.
- Add diced avocado or a drizzle of crema for extra creaminess.
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