Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

If you are craving an easy dish that is just amazing and vibrant, and delicious-smoky-tangy-creamy, then check out the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

I decided to take this recipe basic chicken and rice dish, and make it an elaborate meal, just the way Mexican street corn (elote) makes everything hot.

It includes all of that juicy grilled chicken, charred corn, bright zesty lime, along with a delectable sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Bold Flavours: Smoky and tangy Mexican street corn flavour mingles with soft, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice.

Quick and Easy: In an hour or so, less than forty minutes goes for preparing this meal; therefore, good for busy weeknights.

Customizable: The recipe is ready to be filled with your favourite ingredients or adapted to your special diet.

Meal Prep Friendly: This dish works well for lunch or dinner on weekdays.

Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoyed by children and adults alike, it’s perfect for family dinners, get-togethers, and potlucks.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

For the Street Corn:

2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp lime zest

Juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)

1 tbsp lime juice

1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Optional Toppings:

Sliced avocado

Diced tomatoes

Sliced jalapeños

Extra cotija cheese

Lime wedges

Instructions

Marinate the Paprika Chicken

In a bowl, pour in the olive oil along with the smoked paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, cumin, and the salt and pepper. Lastly, add in the lime juice.

Add the chicken and coat it well. Marinate for 15-30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for more flavour).

Cook the Chicken

Over medium-high heat, warm a grill pan or skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Leave the chicken to rest for around 5 minutes and then slice thinly.

Make the Street Corn

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are charred and golden.

In a bowl, stir the charred corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chilli powder, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro until creamy.

Season the Rice

Add a splash of rice with lime juice and cilantro for freshness.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide the rice evenly into four bowls, topped with sliced chicken and a scoop of street corn, then add optional toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, or jalapeños.

Top off with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Tips for the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Char Corn the Right Way: Heat a heavy skillet, and put some corn in it, letting it sit for a minute without stirring to get a smoky, charred taste.

Don’t Skip Resting Period: Keeping a chicken juicy and tender means letting it sit after cooking.

Adjust Spice Level: Add some chilli powder or more jalapeños for a bodacious heat, or take it down a notch for a milder taste.

Splash Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice and zest brighten up the dish more than bottled ones.

Batch Cook For Meal Prep: Double the recipe and put it in airtight containers for quick lunches.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Try shrimp, tofu, steak, or black beans instead of chicken for a vegetarian choice.

Low-Carb Option: Try cauliflower rice or a combination of greens instead of rice.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream or vegan cheese instead of cotija cheese for a dairy-free choice.

Grain Alternatives: Try other grains such as quinoa, farro, or couscous instead of rice for a variety of textures.

Spicy Twist: Try hot sauce or chipotle mayo for an additional heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a Drink: Enjoy with iced tea or agua fresca for a refreshing flavour.

Side Dishes: Serve as a side dish with tortilla chips and guacamole, black bean soup or as a light cucumber salad.

Presentation: Try serving on a platter or colourful bowls for a fun, family-style meal.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead

The chicken can be marinated, and the rice can be prepared one day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.

Storing

The prepared bowls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four days, without avocado or other fresh toppings.

To reheat, either the microwave or the stovetop will suffice.

Freezing

Chicken and rice should be frozen separately in freezer-safe containers for 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Note: Prepare the street corn mixture fresh for the best texture.

FAQs

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

A: Yes, but excess moisture can be avoided by draining and patting dry the canned corn before charring.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?

A: Add sliced jalapeños with a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some crab sauce to the marinated street corn or chicken.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, as long as gluten-free ingredients are used (check the mayonnaise and spices for hidden additives).

Q: Can I grill the chicken outdoors?

A: Absolutely! Mediterranean smoky flavour can be enhanced on the grill with 6- to 8-minute grilling intervals on each side.

Q: What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

A: Feta or queso fresco would be the right alternative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the street corn chicken rice bowl brings the taste of Mexican street corn directly to your dinner table in a chicken rice bowl.

The flavours are bold, and the preparation is easy: perfect for all the students who still think they are Foodies! Make it special this week and give it a try!

This bowl is restaurant quality, and the taste will have you wanting more!

Read More:- Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowl Recipe