Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

If you’re craving a meal that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with the heartiness of a rice bowl, then this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the dish for you! This recipe takes the classic street corn, with its creamy and spicy combination of corn, cotija cheese, and chili powder, and pairs it with juicy seasoned chicken and a refreshing lime-infused rice base. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep throughout the week.

The beauty of this rice bowl lies in the balance of flavors – from the smoky chicken seasoned with chili powder and cumin to the tangy and creamy street corn mixture. The addition of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brings a bright and zesty kick, tying everything together. The dish is easily customizable, so feel free to add extra toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or tomatoes to make it your own. It’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

Not only is this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl bursting with flavors, but it’s also simple and quick to make. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a complete, well-rounded meal ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful

With smoky, spicy chicken, tangy street corn, and zesty rice, every bite is a burst of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.

2. Customizable Toppings

Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, jalapeños, or extra cotija cheese to personalize the dish and add extra layers of flavor.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe is easy to prepare and takes less than an hour to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

4. Healthy and Filling

Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the corn and rice, this bowl is both nutritious and filling, providing a balanced meal.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a batch of these bowls for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The ingredients store well and can be quickly reheated, ensuring that you always have a delicious meal on hand.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Large chicken breasts, diced
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the Rice:

• Long grain rice, cooked as per package instructions
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Street Corn:

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

Optional Toppings:

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

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Kick: If you like extra heat, add some diced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the street corn or chicken mixture.
• Grilled Chicken: For a smoky, charred flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop.
• Mexican Rice: Swap regular rice for Mexican rice, which is often flavored with tomatoes and spices, for added depth.

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 package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Street Corn

In a bowl, combine the corn kernels (whether fresh, frozen, or canned), mayonnaise, 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 each 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

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until browned and fully cooked to avoid dry, tough meat.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: For the best flavor, always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled lime juice.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add more veggies or toppings like diced red onions, fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor.
• Make Extra Street Corn: The street corn mixture makes a great topping for tacos, salads, or as a side dish on its own, so consider making extra!
• Serve Warm: Serve the rice bowls warm, as the flavors meld together best when they’re freshly prepared.

How to Serve

Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl warm with a lime wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrus. This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold, refreshing drink like iced tea or a tangy margarita for a Mexican-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rice, chicken, and street corn mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures that the rice stays fluffy and the chicken remains tender.

Freezing

The components of this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the chicken, rice, and street corn separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent them from drying out. Reheat the street corn mixture gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

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

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.

2. Can I substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise for a tangy twist.

3. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Make sure to cook the rice according to the package instructions and avoid overcooking. Fluff the rice with a fork after it’s done cooking.

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

Yes, if cotija is unavailable, you can substitute it with feta cheese or Parmesan for a similar salty, crumbly texture.

5. How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild heat level due to the chili powder, but it can easily be adjusted by adding more chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños for extra spice.

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

Yes, brown rice can be used instead of white rice for a heartier, more nutritious alternative.

7. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients nicely.

8. Can I add beans to the rice bowl for extra protein?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be added to the rice bowl for extra protein and fiber.

9. Can I serve this with a side of tortillas?

Yes, serving the rice bowl with warm tortillas is a great idea for those who want to scoop up the rice and corn mixture.

10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the chicken and add grilled vegetables or a hearty bean mixture for a satisfying vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy street corn, and lime-infused rice. It’s a meal that’s bursting with bold, fresh flavors and is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, this recipe will be a hit with everyone. Simple, delicious, and satisfying, it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave time and time again.

Print