Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe That Wows

Corn-studded and bursting with zesty flavors, this street corn chicken rice bowl seamlessly blends Mexican-inspired street food with comforting home cooking.

Tender grilled chicken nestles atop fluffy rice, creating a vibrant canvas of textures and tastes.

Charred sweet corn adds a smoky dimension that elevates every single bite.

Creamy, tangy sauce drizzles across the dish, bringing a bright pop of excitement to each spoonful.

Fresh cilantro and lime garnish the bowl with a crisp, aromatic finish.

Crumbled cotija cheese sprinkled on top provides a salty, rich counterpoint to the other ingredients.

Summer meals never looked so delicious – this recipe promises to become a new weeknight favorite that satisfies and delights.

What’s Great About Street Corn Chicken Bowls

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delicious bowl in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty street corn mixture with tender grilled chicken, creating a mouthwatering blend of Mexican-inspired tastes that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your personal preferences, making it a versatile meal that adapts to your mood and pantry.
• Nutritious One-Bowl Wonder: Packs protein from chicken, complex carbs from rice, and a burst of fresh ingredients, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.

Ingredients for Chicken Rice Bowls

• Chicken: Grilled and seasoned meat that provides the main protein for the bowl.
• Cotija Cheese: Salty Mexican cheese that adds rich flavor and crumbly texture.

• Corn: Sweet and juicy base for the street corn topping.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that bind the corn mixture together.
• Chili Powder, Paprika: Spices that add warmth and depth to the corn mixture.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that enhances the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a subtle pungent note.

• Rice: Fluffy and neutral grain that serves as the foundation of the bowl.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, herbal finish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor.

Making Chicken Rice Bowls, Step by Step

Step 1: Whip Up Street Corn Magic

• Fresh corn kernels
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Zesty chili powder
• Smoky paprika
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Crumbled cotija cheese

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a delicious, creamy blend bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken on a hot grill or skillet until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through.

Slice the chicken into mouth-watering strips that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Build Your Rice Foundation

Scoop fluffy, warm rice into serving bowls.

The rice creates a delicious base for your flavor-packed meal.

Step 4: Layer on the Deliciousness

Arrange the grilled chicken strips on top of the rice.

Generously spoon the creamy street corn mixture over the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible taste.

Step 5: Add Final Flourish

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the bowl.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add an additional shower of crumbled cotija cheese for a burst of salty goodness.

Step 6: Dive Into Flavor Heaven

Serve the bowl immediately while it’s warm.

Get ready to experience a festival of flavors that will transport you to a street food paradise!

Tips for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Bowls

• Grill fresh corn for a smoky, caramelized taste that elevates the street corn mixture's depth and complexity.
• Adjust chili powder and paprika to match your heat preference, from mild to bold and zesty.
• Use certified gluten-free rice and verify mayonnaise ingredients to ensure the entire dish meets dietary requirements.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or black beans for versatile meal alternatives that cater to different tastes.
• Cook rice and grill protein in advance, then assemble bowls quickly for a convenient weeknight dinner solution.

Variations for Chicken Rice Bowl Lovers

• Vegetarian Corn Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh strips, keeping the street corn mixture and rice base for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and swap chili powder for cayenne to create a more intense, heat-driven flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Mexican-Inspired Quinoa Version: Substitute rice with quinoa for a higher protein alternative, maintaining the original street corn and chicken components.

How to Serve Chicken Rice Bowls

• Fiesta Flavor Explosion: Sprinkle extra chili powder or hot sauce for those who love a spicy kick and want to amp up the heat.
• Fresh Herb Garden: Add sliced green onions or extra fresh cilantro on top to bring a bright, zesty freshness that complements the creamy corn mixture.
• Crunch Factor: Scatter some toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips over the bowl to introduce a delightful crispy texture that contrasts with the soft rice and tender chicken.
• Lime Lover's Dream: Squeeze additional fresh lime juice right before serving to enhance the tangy notes and make the flavors pop with a citrusy brightness.

Storing Chicken and Rice Bowls

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping rice, chicken, and corn mixture separate to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent dry spots.
• Gently reheat chicken and corn mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent burning.
• Wrap components individually in freezer-safe containers, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What are the key flavors in this street corn chicken rice bowl?

The dish combines tangy lime, creamy mayonnaise, spicy chili powder, and salty cotija cheese to create a vibrant Mexican-inspired flavor profile that brings excitement to a simple rice bowl.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, it offers a balanced meal with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and nutrients from corn. The recipe can be modified to be lighter by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with grilled tofu, black beans, or roasted vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the same bold street corn flavors.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets chicken and rice in this flavor-packed bowl that blends grilled corn, zesty spices, and creamy sauce. Cilantro-lime rice provides the perfect base for tender chicken, bringing fresh, bold southwestern comfort to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

Corn and Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant street corn salsa by combining sweet corn kernels with tangy mayonnaise, rich sour cream, zesty chili powder, smoky paprika, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and crumbled cotija cheese, mixing until ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill at medium-high heat (375-400°F) for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring a golden-brown exterior.
3. Once chicken is cooked, let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing into thin, diagonal strips to preserve moisture and tenderness.
4. Prepare fluffy white or brown rice according to package instructions, fluffing with a fork after cooking to create light, separated grains.
5. Assemble bowls by creating a base layer of warm rice, then strategically arranging grilled chicken strips across the surface.
6. Generously spoon the prepared street corn mixture over the chicken, allowing the creamy, spiced salsa to cascade down the protein.
7. Finish the bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and an additional dusting of cotija cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while ingredients are warm, allowing the corn mixture’s vibrant flavors to meld with the tender chicken and rice.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed topping that reduces calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• For gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients like cotija cheese are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if needed.
• Customize protein by replacing chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans to accommodate vegetarian or pescatarian diets.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, roasted zucchini, or grilled poblano peppers for more color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg