Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: A Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Meal
Are you ready to savor the bold flavors of a Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl? This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken, smoky street corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with a creamy, spiced dressing. It’s an easy, versatile recipe perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a restaurant-quality experience at home. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this irresistible meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavors: The combination of smoky spices, creamy dressing, and fresh lime juice creates an explosion of flavors.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with adults and kids alike, offering something for every palate.
- High-Protein Meal: Packed with chicken and nutrient-rich corn, this dish fuels your day with essential nutrients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn:
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice for extra flavor)
- Extra lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
The chicken is the protein-packed star of this dish. Here’s how to prepare it:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
- Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Char the Corn for Smoky Goodness
For the street corn, smoky flavors are key. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen or canned corn works perfectly.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn develops a slight char. This step brings out the natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
- Once charred, remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Creamy Street Corn Dressing
The dressing adds creamy richness to the dish. Here’s how to make it:
- In the bowl with the charred corn, add mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and chili powder.
- Stir in cotija or feta cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
- Mix until well combined, ensuring every kernel of corn is coated in the creamy mixture. Set aside.
4. Cook the Rice
For the base, you can use white rice, brown rice, or a flavorful option like cilantro-lime rice:
- Cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions if it isn’t prepared already.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm until ready to assemble the bowl.
Assemble the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Now comes the fun part—bringing all the components together:
- In a bowl, start with a generous serving of rice as the base.
- Add a portion of the cooked chicken on one side.
- Scoop a heaping spoonful of the street corn mixture onto the other side.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and optional toppings like diced avocado or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and lime juice elevate the dish’s flavor, but frozen or canned ingredients work in a pinch.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Meal Prep Option: Make the components ahead of time and assemble the bowls when ready to serve. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add More Veggies: For a nutritious twist, include sautéed bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or fresh spinach.
Nutritional Information
This recipe offers a balanced mix of macronutrients:
- Calories: ~450 per serving (depending on rice type and portion size)
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 18g
For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in the street corn or use cauliflower rice as the base.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
- Mexican Street Food Inspiration: Inspired by elote, the beloved Mexican street corn, this bowl brings authentic flavors to your table.
- Complete Meal in One Bowl: With protein, carbs, and vegetables, this dish is a satisfying, one-dish wonder.
- Great for Entertaining: Serve this bowl at casual gatherings for a colorful, crowd-pleasing option.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve your street corn chicken rice bowl with:
- Chips and Salsa: A crunchy starter that complements the bold flavors.
- Margaritas: Lime margaritas are a refreshing beverage option for adults.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: For a sweet finish, pair the dish with a rich, spiced hot chocolate.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or a skillet. Add the street corn cold or slightly warmed for the best taste.
- Freezing: While the chicken and rice freeze well, the creamy corn dressing is best made fresh.
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines the best of Mexican-inspired flavors into a quick, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Packed with protein, spice, and creamy goodness, every bite feels like a culinary celebration.
Make it tonight and enjoy a bold, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!