Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A flavor-packed and vibrant meal that combines tender chicken, zesty rice, and creamy street corn, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and satisfying dishes. This recipe is a fiesta of textures and flavors, featuring juicy chicken seasoned with smoky spices, fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro, and a creamy, tangy street corn topping that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this rice bowl delivers on taste and convenience.

The combination of savory chicken, zesty rice, and the irresistible street corn topping makes this dish a complete meal. With just the right amount of spice and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings, ensuring that every bite is bursting with freshness. Serve it up with a side of lime wedges and extra cilantro for a pop of flavor, and you’ll have a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you want in a meal: flavorful, colorful, and filling. The seasoned chicken provides a hearty base, while the rice adds a touch of brightness with the tangy lime and fresh cilantro. The star of the show is the creamy street corn mixture, which adds both sweetness and richness, complementing the spiced chicken perfectly. Plus, this recipe offers plenty of room for customization with optional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and extra cotija cheese to suit your taste. It’s easy to make and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a family meal or a meal prep option.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken breasts, diced
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

• Long grain rice, cooked
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Street Corn

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

Optional Toppings

• Diced avocado
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra cotija cheese

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust it based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen:

• Grilled Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken on the stovetop, grill it for a smoky charred flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
• Rice Alternatives: For a low-carb version, swap the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayonnaise and cheese alternatives for the street corn.
• Corn Variations: If you’re not a fan of cotija cheese, try using feta or Parmesan cheese for a different twist on the street corn.

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. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or 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 the lime juice and chopped cilantro.

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 until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

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

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh or frozen corn: For the best texture, use fresh or frozen corn kernels. If using canned corn, make sure to drain and rinse it to remove excess salt.
• Cook the chicken thoroughly: Make sure to cook the chicken through until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Customize the toppings: Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your taste preferences. The creamy avocado and the spicy jalapeños balance each other perfectly for a rich, vibrant bite.
• Make ahead: The rice and street corn can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy assembly when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

This dish is meant to be served warm, but it can also be made in advance and stored for a quick meal later in the week. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like it spicy. Serve with a refreshing side of Mexican-style street corn or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, rice, and street corn separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and stir the corn mixture before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and rice separately, but the street corn is best consumed fresh as the mayonnaise may not hold up well in the freezer. Freeze the chicken and rice in separate containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw the chicken and rice in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also heat the street corn separately in a bowl.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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

Yes, frozen corn works great! Just thaw it before mixing it with the other ingredients for the street corn topping.

3. Can I use a different cheese instead of cotija?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, try using crumbled feta or Parmesan for a similar texture and flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice, chicken, and street corn in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then assemble when you’re ready to serve.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or drizzle hot sauce on top to make this dish spicier.

6. Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?

Yes, you can use beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu as an alternative to chicken. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your ingredients, such as the mayonnaise, to ensure they are gluten-free.

8. Can I serve this with tortillas?

Absolutely! You can serve this dish with warm tortillas to make it more like a burrito bowl or as a wrap.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or other vegetables of your choice to make this bowl even more colorful and nutritious.

10. How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheese alternatives for the street corn.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an exciting and flavorful dish that brings the bold tastes of street corn and seasoned chicken together in a way that’s both delicious and satisfying. With its vibrant rice, creamy corn topping, and versatile toppings, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. The combination of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors ensures that every bite will be a burst of freshness and flavor. Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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