Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

If you love bold flavors, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is for you! It’s loaded with juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy and smoky Mexican-style street corn, and a flavorful rice base. This dish brings together all the best flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) and turns it into a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Street Corn Mixture:

• 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Rice Base:

• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon butter

Toppings and Garnishes:

• Diced avocado
• Extra cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized pot
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with the spice mixture.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the cooked chicken, remove from the skillet, and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred.
3. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a medium pot, bring chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add salt, garlic powder, and butter.
3. Stir in the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook according to package instructions.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

1. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of street corn mixture.
3. Garnish with diced avocado, extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.
4. Drizzle with hot sauce if you like extra heat!

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Type of Corn

• Fresh grilled corn gives the best smoky flavor, but frozen or canned corn works just fine!

How to Adjust the Spice Level

• For a milder dish, use less chili powder and smoked paprika.
• To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Making It Ahead of Time

• Cook the rice and street corn mixture in advance and store them separately.
• Reheat everything before serving and assemble fresh.

Fun Variations

Making It Vegetarian

• Swap the chicken for black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or tofu.

Adding Extra Protein Options

• Try shrimp, steak, or ground turkey instead of chicken.

Trying Different Rice Bases

• Use cilantro lime rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a twist!

Serving Suggestions

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl pairs well with:

• A side of warm tortillas or tortilla chips
• A fresh side salad with avocado dressing
• A refreshing agua fresca or limeade

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Keeping It Fresh

• Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Way to Reheat

• Reheat the chicken and corn in a skillet over medium heat.
• Warm the rice in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect blend of bold flavors and creamy textures, all packed into one delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick dinner, this dish will be a favorite. Try it out and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw it first and sauté it for the best flavor.

2. What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Grilling, pan-searing, or baking all work great. Grilling adds a smoky touch!

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream and swap out cotija cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

4. What other toppings can I add?
Pico de gallo, black beans, or crispy tortilla strips make great additions.

5. How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild kick, but you can make it spicier by adding jalapeños or hot sauce!