Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavor-Packed Dish 🌽🍗🍚✨

1. Introduction

Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food into your kitchen with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. This dish combines smoky grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and zesty cilantro-lime rice for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or a crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.

The beauty of this bowl lies in its balance of textures and flavors—charred sweetness from the chicken, tangy creaminess from the street corn, and refreshing brightness from the cilantro-lime rice. Dive deeper into the origins of street corn by visiting this link. For tips on grilling perfect chicken, explore our guide on grilling techniques here.

2. What Is a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a celebration of bold flavors and textures, bringing together the best elements of Mexican street food. The star of the dish is the creamy street corn, made with charred kernels tossed in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and lime juice. Paired with tender grilled chicken and fragrant cilantro-lime rice, this bowl offers a symphony of savory, tangy, and spicy notes.

Inspired by traditional elote (Mexican street corn), this dish captures the essence of Mexican cuisine while offering flexibility for customization. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course, meal prep option, or even a build-your-own bowl for dietary preferences. For more Mexican-inspired recipes, browse our collection of family-friendly meals here.

3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)

To create this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, gather the following ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

The Cilantro-Lime Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Hot sauce or salsa
• Lime wedges

These high-quality ingredients ensure your bowl will be packed with flavor and texture. For more ingredient ideas, explore our guide on quick and easy dinners here.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Grilled Chicken

Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. For more grilling tips, visit our guide on perfectly grilled chicken here.

Making the Street Corn

If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the kernels in a skillet over medium heat until lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn with ¼ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir in ½ cup of crumbled cotija cheese and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. For more street corn inspiration, explore our guide on Mexican street food here.

Cooking the Cilantro-Lime Rice

Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the zest and juice of 1 lime, ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and salt to taste. For more rice recipes, browse our collection of healthy meal prep ideas here.

Assembling the Bowls

Divide the cilantro-lime rice among bowls, creating a base layer. Top with sliced grilled chicken and a generous scoop of creamy street corn. Add optional toppings like sliced avocado, hot sauce, or lime wedges for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant combination of flavors. For more assembly tips, explore our guide on customizable dishes here.

5. Customizing Your Bowl

To make your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl truly your own, consider these customizations:

• Protein Swaps: Replace grilled chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu for variety.
• Veggie Boost: Add black beans, pinto beans, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition.
• Spice Levels: Experiment with jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

These tweaks ensure the dish suits diverse tastes and dietary needs. For more customization ideas, check out our creative recipes here.

6. Serving Suggestions

This vibrant bowl pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist. For a lighter complement, serve alongside a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. If meal prepping, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling to maintain texture and flavor. For more serving suggestions, explore our guide on one-bowl meals here.

7. Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable:

• Gluten-Free: The dish is naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified if needed.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute vegan mayo, cashew cream, or nutritional yeast for sour cream and cotija cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or baked tofu.

These variations ensure everyone can enjoy the dish. For more substitution ideas, check out our healthy swaps here.

8. Nutritional Information

Each serving of Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl contains approximately 450 calories. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per serving:

• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fats: 20g
• Proteins: 30g

Please note these values may vary slightly based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Enjoy responsibly!

9. FAQs Section

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Q: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, drain and pat dry thoroughly before using for best results. Fresh or frozen corn provides better texture but canned works in a pinch.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling to avoid sogginess.

Q: Where can I find cotija cheese?

Cotija cheese is available at most grocery stores in the dairy section or specialty markets. Feta is a good substitute if unavailable.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh and ensure other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

10. Conclusion

Making a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a simple yet rewarding way to enjoy bold, layered flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With its vibrant colors, customizable options, and satisfying textures, this dish is perfect for busy nights, entertaining, or meal prepping. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own twists, these bowls promise to delight everyone at the table.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #StreetCornChickenRiceBowl and tag us for a chance to be featured. Have feedback or questions? Leave a comment below—we’re here to help! For more flavorful recipes, explore our collection of restaurant-style dishes here. Happy cooking! 🌽🍗🍚✨

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