Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A perfect balance of fresh flavors, Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice for a delicious and satisfying meal. With the smoky kick of chili powder, the tang of lime, and the rich creaminess of cotija cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and great for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering!

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is So Irresistible

What makes Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl so irresistible is the combination of juicy, seasoned chicken, tangy street corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with lime and cilantro. The smoky, creamy street corn perfectly complements the savory chicken and fresh rice. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that brings together both familiar and bold flavors in every bite.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Rice:
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (cooked as per package instructions)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• For the Street Corn:
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
• Optional Toppings:
  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Extra cotija cheese

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Here’s how you can put this vibrant dish together:

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Toss the diced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Cook the Rice
   Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
3. Make the Street Corn
   In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Bowls
   Divide the rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
   Add any optional toppings you like, such as diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or extra cotija cheese for added flavor and color.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

These ingredients are essential to make this dish bursting with flavor:

• Cotija Cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that adds richness and depth to the street corn.
• Lime Juice: Adds a refreshing, zesty kick that ties together the rice and street corn.
• Chili Powder: Brings a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the dish that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh element that enhances the flavors and adds color to the dish.

Exploring Variations for Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to make it your own! For added heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the street corn mixture. You can also try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu for a plant-based version. Add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to make it even more hearty.

Tips for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Every Time

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it cooks evenly and gets a nice golden sear.
• Char the corn: For added depth of flavor, grill or cook the corn in a hot skillet until slightly charred before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Use fresh lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness and balances out the richness of the mayonnaise and cotija cheese.
• Toss the rice gently: When stirring in the lime juice and cilantro, be gentle to avoid mashing the rice.

The Magic of Street Corn

The magic of Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl lies in the street corn topping. The creamy mayo and tangy cotija cheese perfectly balance the smoky chili powder and lime, creating a deliciously flavorful topping that pairs wonderfully with the seasoned chicken and fresh rice.

Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Vitamin C: 25mg

To make this dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise or cotija cheese.

Storing and Freezing Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: The chicken and street corn topping can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the rice is best served fresh. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice fluffy.

Serving Suggestions for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but you can pair it with a side of chips, a light salad, or some extra lime wedges to add more crunch and zest. You could also serve it with a dollop of guacamole or pico de gallo for extra freshness.

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Skillet for cooking the chicken
• Pot for cooking the rice
• Mixing bowl for preparing the street corn topping
• Knife and cutting board for chopping the vegetables and cilantro

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and street corn topping ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook the rice fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different cheese for the street corn?
Yes, you can substitute Cotija cheese with Feta or Parmesan cheese if you prefer, though Cotija is the traditional choice.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Key Takeaways

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, and filling meal that combines tender chicken, creamy street corn, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a complete dish that’s perfect for any occasion!