Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This vibrant and delicious street corn chicken rice bowl is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining seasoned chicken, fluffy cilantro lime rice, and a creamy, tangy street corn topping. The dish brings the flavors of Mexican street corn to your home, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser for gatherings. The chicken is seasoned with smoky spices, paired with a fresh, zesty rice base, and topped with an irresistible street corn mixture. The recipe is both simple and satisfying, delivering a balance of flavors that everyone will love. It’s a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you enjoy it spicy or prefer a milder version, this bowl will soon become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor Explosion

The combination of smoky spices on the chicken, zesty cilantro lime rice, and creamy street corn makes each bite bursting with flavor.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can whip up this dish in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

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3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the heat level and toppings, making it suitable for all preferences – from mild to spicy.

4. Balanced Meal

This recipe is a complete meal with protein from chicken, carbs from rice, and fresh vegetables from the corn and optional toppings, ensuring a satisfying experience.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also makes for a great make-ahead dish. Leftovers are just as tasty!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts (diced)
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the Rice:

• Long grain rice
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro

For the Street Corn:

• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Lime juice
• Salt

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado (diced)
• Tomatoes (chopped)
• Jalapeños (sliced)
• Extra cotija cheese

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make this dish vegetarian.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra chili powder or throw in some diced jalapeños to spice up the chicken and street corn.
• Grilled Chicken: For added flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it to give it a smoky char.
• Add Beans: To make the meal more filling, consider adding black beans or pinto beans on top of the rice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 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.
• Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• Prepare the rice according to the package instructions.
• Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Step 3: Make the Street Corn

• In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

• Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
• Top with the cooked chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
• Add optional toppings such as diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
• For even fluffier rice, rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch.
• If using canned corn, be sure to drain and rinse it well before using.
• Cotija cheese can be replaced with feta if you can’t find it, although cotija gives the dish its signature taste.
• Feel free to make extra street corn and use it as a topping for other dishes like tacos or salads.

How to Serve

This street corn chicken rice bowl is best served warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor. For a heartier meal, pair it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a refreshing salad. It can also be served as a fun, customizable buffet-style meal where everyone builds their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, rice, and street corn separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat each component individually for the best texture.

Freezing

The chicken and street corn can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken and corn to cool before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. The rice can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and street corn in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. For the rice, microwave it with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish without the street corn?

Yes, you can skip the street corn and serve the chicken and rice with any other vegetables or toppings you prefer.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

3. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I use frozen corn for the street corn?

Yes, frozen corn works great for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before using.

6. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, queso fresco or feta can be used as alternatives to cotija cheese.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.

8. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with vegetables like grilled zucchini, peppers, or even beans.

9. How can I make this dish more filling?

Add beans, such as black or pinto beans, to the rice for an extra source of protein and fiber.

10. Can I make this dish without cilantro?

Yes, if you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute it with fresh parsley.

Conclusion

The street corn chicken rice bowl is a fun, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. With a balance of savory chicken, zesty rice, and creamy street corn, this recipe is sure to be a hit in your household. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite toppings, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s a crowd-pleaser that offers fresh flavors and will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

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