Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate guide on crafting the perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! This recipe combines grilled chicken, vibrant street corn, and citrusy cilantro-lime rice to create a hearty, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is easy to make, packed with essential nutrients, and offers a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a great choice when you want a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. Inspired by Mexican street corn, this recipe is zesty, spicy, and slightly smoky, offering something for everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Street Corn:

2 cups corn kernels (use fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
Fresh cilantro, chopped

The Rice:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings:

Sliced avocado or guacamole
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Extra crumbled cotija cheese
Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Results

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start with a well-seasoned marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips—this helps lock in the juices for tender, juicy bites.

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn

For the street corn topping, start by charring the corn. If using fresh corn, grill it directly on the grill until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen or canned corn, a quick toss in a hot skillet will give it a nice char. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Stir until the corn is fully coated in the creamy, tangy mixture.

Step 4: Make the Cilantro Lime Rice

In a mixing bowl, toss your cooked rice with lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro. This step adds a refreshing citrus flavor to the rice, balancing the savory chicken and creamy street corn perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cilantro-lime rice into individual serving bowls. Layer the grilled chicken strips on top, followed by a generous portion of street corn. Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, extra cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, garnish with additional lime wedges, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!

Cooking Tips and Tricks

How to Enhance Flavor in Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Marinating Tip: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to seep in fully.
Adjust the Spice: For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or jalapeños to the dish.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings out the best flavors in both the chicken and the rice.

Making It Your Own

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is versatile and customizable! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust the toppings, or experiment with different cheeses.

Storing and Reheating

If you’re planning to make this recipe for meal prep, store each component separately in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken and corn before assembling the bowls for a quick, fresh meal.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

This bowl isn’t just about flavor—it’s also rich in nutrients! With lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the corn and rice, and essential vitamins and minerals from toppings like avocado and tomatoes, it’s a balanced meal.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: ~480 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 520mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin C: 22mg
Calcium: 120mg
Iron: 3mg

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Chicken: High in protein and low in fat, making it an ideal choice for muscle building and weight management.
Corn: Rich in fiber, supporting digestion, and provides essential B vitamins.
Cilantro and Lime: Known for their antioxidant properties, adding both flavor and health benefits.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and chicken thighs work well. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream and mayo in the street corn, and skip the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, increase the chili powder in the marinade and the street corn topping. You can also add diced jalapeños as a topping.

What are some good alternative toppings?

Diced red onions, shredded lettuce, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can make excellent additions to your bowl.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store the rice, chicken, and street corn separately in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat and assemble the bowl with fresh toppings.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep each component separate for the best flavor when reheated.

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a recipe you’ll come back to time and again. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with incredible flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a vibrant, delicious meal. So, fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and dive into a meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Enjoy!

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