Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines tender grilled chicken, sweet street corn, and a hearty rice base, all topped with fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a satisfying, yet healthy meal. Whether you’re preparing it for lunch or dinner, the combination of spices and flavors in this dish will transport you to a summer street market, where fresh and bold ingredients come together in a symphony of taste. The creamy street corn, paired with juicy grilled chicken and a zesty lime finish, makes this rice bowl an irresistible option for any day of the week. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make, giving you a nourishing meal without all the hassle. You can also adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it as spicy or mild as you like.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken adds a savory depth, while the street corn mixture delivers sweetness and creaminess with a slight kick from the chili powder. The rice acts as a neutral base that allows all the ingredients to shine. It’s an incredibly versatile dish, whether you enjoy it as a lighter meal or with extra toppings like avocado and lime. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your dietary needs, whether you prefer brown rice or want to skip the avocado. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

For the Street Corn:

• Corn on the cob or frozen corn kernels
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese or feta cheese
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Rice Bowl:

• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Avocado, sliced (optional)
• Fresh lime wedges for garnish

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to create a flavorful vegetarian bowl.
• Spicy Option: Increase the chili powder or add a chopped jalapeño to the street corn mixture for an extra kick.
• Different Protein: You can use grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu as alternatives to chicken, making this bowl suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Grain Choices: Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a unique twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

If you’re using fresh corn, grill the corn on the cob over medium heat for about 10 minutes until charred and cooked through. If using frozen corn kernels, sauté them in butter in a pan until golden and heated through. In a bowl, combine the cooked corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese (or feta), lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything well to mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowl

Spoon a portion of cooked rice into each bowl. Layer on the sliced grilled chicken and top with the street corn mixture. Optionally, add sliced avocado and fresh lime wedges to garnish the bowl, and sprinkle with extra cilantro if desired.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls immediately, while the chicken is warm and the corn is fresh. Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Resting the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender.
• Corn Substitution: If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn works perfectly fine. Just be sure to sauté it until golden.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or your favorite salsa for added flavor.
• Grilling Tip: If grilling the chicken, ensure the grill is properly preheated and oiled to avoid sticking.

How to Serve

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is best served warm, straight from the bowl. You can enjoy it as a filling lunch or a dinner option. Pair it with a side salad or some tortilla chips for extra crunch. It also makes for a great meal prep option, as it can be assembled ahead of time and enjoyed later.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, keep the rice, chicken, and street corn mixture separate to prevent the rice from getting soggy.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and street corn mixture for up to 3 months. However, freezing the rice and avocado is not recommended as it can affect their texture.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken and corn mixture, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Fresh rice can also be reheated in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works just as well. Sauté it in butter until golden and heated through.

2. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the corn mixture for extra heat.

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

Yes, brown rice is a great option if you prefer a more wholesome grain with a nutty flavor.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook.

5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feta cheese is a great substitute for cotija, or you can use any other cheese you prefer.

8. How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking, and let it rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

9. Can I add extra toppings?

Yes, feel free to add sour cream, jalapeños, or salsa for extra flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and street corn mixture ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors. From the juicy grilled chicken to the creamy and slightly spicy street corn, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for customizing based on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers both convenience and mouthwatering taste. Enjoy!

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