Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delicious adventure? The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a creamy, flavorful dish that perfectly combines juicy grilled chicken, heavenly street corn, and perfectly cooked rice! Imagine enjoying a bite that tastes like a summer barbecue, all while sitting in your cozy kitchen. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family weekend meal. With its simple preparation and tasty ingredients, you might find yourself making it every week, just like our popular Taco Tuesday recipe! If you’re looking for a hearty meal that everyone will ask for seconds, this recipe is a must-try!

What is Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

So, what exactly is this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? Well, it’s like a fiesta in a bowl! Imagine the classic street corn you find at summer fairs, combined with tender chicken and a hearty base of rice. It’s a playful dish that makes you think, “Why not have fun with my food?” After all, as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Ready to impress your family or friends? Give this delightful dish a try!

Why You’ll Love This

There are three key reasons why you’re going to love the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. First, the star of the dish is undoubtedly the tender, marinated chicken, bursting with flavor from spices like chili powder and cumin. Second, making this dish at home saves you money, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality food without breaking the bank. Third, the mouthwatering toppings elevate your bowl to a whole new level! From creamy avocado to zesty lime and crumbly cotija cheese, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. If you enjoy this dish, don’t forget to check out our Loaded Nacho Platter for another fun and hearty meal!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is so simple and takes just about 55 minutes! You’ll enjoy juicy chicken, flavorful grilled corn, and fresh toppings—all in one satisfying dish. What makes this bowl so appealing is its creamy sauce that ties everything together and the rich textures from various ingredients. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cilantro lime rice)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Extra cotija cheese (optional)
• Hot sauce or salsa (optional)
• Fresh green onions, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add the chicken and ensure it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
3. Prepare the Street Corn: Preheat your grill or grill pan. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred. Let it cool slightly, then spread mayonnaise and sour cream on each ear. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt.
4. Assemble the Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken and halves of the grilled street corn. Add avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro around the bowl.
5. Add Optional Toppings: Feel free to enhance your bowl with sliced jalapeños, extra cotija cheese, hot sauce, or fresh green onions.
6. Serve: Serve your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy warm!

What to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl With:

To elevate your meal, pair your street corn chicken rice bowl with a chilled Mexican soda or a refreshing lime margarita. Consider serving alongside a simple green salad or some tortilla chips with a light salsa for added crunch and flavor.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish:

• Use a combination of chicken thighs for juiciness and breasts for leaner meat.
• Feel free to swap out the cotija for feta if you can’t find it.
• Don’t skip resting the chicken before slicing for maximum juiciness.
• Grill the corn until you see char marks for that street food flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze the portions, ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container and can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave until heated through, or place in a skillet over low heat for better texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
  Yes, but grilling fresh corn gives a better texture and flavor.
• How can I make this dish spicier?
  Feel free to add more chili powder or serve with hot sauce.
• Is this recipe meal prep friendly?
  Absolutely! Prepare all components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a wonderful meal that transforms everyday ingredients into a superb dish. With its layers of flavor and easy preparation, it’s no wonder why this recipe is a family favorite. Try it out and make your weeknight dinners more exciting and delicious!