Lively Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Crafting a delightful street corn chicken rice bowl brings together vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle with tender, seasoned chicken in this hearty dish.

Mexican-inspired spices create a symphony of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a perfect balance of textures and temperatures.

Each forkful promises a celebration of fresh, bold ingredients that make your taste buds sing.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe invites you to explore a culinary adventure that will become an instant favorite.

Jump in and savor every delicious moment!

Steps To Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Steps To Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Roast Corn with Zesty Spices

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Toss corn kernels into the pan with olive oil and cook for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Sprinkle in these spices:
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir and transfer roasted corn to a separate dish.

Step 2: Create Tangy Lime Crema

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt

Adjust lime juice for desired tanginess.

Step 3: Grill Tender Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until golden and fully cooked. Slice into thin strips.

Step 4: Build Vibrant Rice Bowl

Layer ingredients in this order:
  • Fluffy white rice
  • Grilled chicken slices
  • Roasted corn
  • Black beans
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped red onion
  • Crumbled cotija cheese

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Drizzle

Pour lime crema generously over the bowl. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Grab a fork and dive into your delicious street corn chicken rice bowl immediately.

Helpful Tips For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Char Corn Perfectly: Use a dry skillet to get those delicious smoky marks without adding extra oil, ensuring a deeper flavor profile.
  • Customize Crema Consistency: Thin out lime crema with a splash of water if it's too thick, making it easier to drizzle evenly across the bowl.
  • Balance Protein Options: Swap grilled chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that keeps the same zesty street corn spirit.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika amounts to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized flavor experience.
  • Meal Prep Hack: Prepare corn, chicken, and lime crema in advance, storing separately to quickly assemble bowls during busy weeknights.

Fun Takes On Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Vegetarian Street Corn Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, keeping the same spices and charred corn technique for a plant-based protein option.
  • Cauliflower Rice Edition: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the bowl's vibrant flavors.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Bowl: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and incorporate hot sauce for an extra kick of heat and authentic Mexican street food inspiration.
  • Quinoa Power Bowl: Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed alternative with similar texture and enhanced nutritional profile.

Great Pairings For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Zesty Margarita Pairing: Complement the bold, smoky flavors of the street corn chicken rice bowl with a classic margarita, balancing the dish's spiciness with tequila's bright citrus notes.
  • Crisp Mexican Lager Match: Select a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the rich, creamy elements and enhance the corn's charred essence.
  • Fresh Cucumber Agua Fresca: Create a cooling, non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the bowl's lime and herb profile, providing a clean, hydrating counterpoint to the spiced chicken and corn.
  • Wine Harmony: Choose a chilled, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, whose herbaceous and citrus undertones will elevate the dish's vibrant Mexican-inspired ingredients.

How To Store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Right

  • Store leftover bowl components separately in airtight containers. Keep rice, chicken, corn, and crema in individual sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze chicken and corn separately in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing rice and crema as they might lose texture and separate.
  • Sprinkle water over rice before microwaving. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Warm chicken in skillet over medium heat with splash of olive oil. Alternatively, microwave with damp paper towel covering to retain moisture and prevent toughening.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl FAQ

  • What makes the lime crema special?

The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy element that brightens the entire dish, balancing the smoky flavors of the charred corn and grilled chicken with its zesty lime juice and smooth sour cream base.

  • Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can easily increase the heat by adding more chili powder to the corn, including sliced jalapeños, or drizzling hot sauce over the finished bowl for extra kick.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that your spices are certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure total gluten-free compliance.

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Is Full Of Flavor

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Is Full Of Flavor
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Craft a personalized bowl by mixing and matching ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Master a Quick Weeknight Meal: Create a restaurant-quality dish in minutes with simple cooking techniques and readily available ingredients.
  • Burst with Vibrant Flavors: Enjoy a zesty combination of charred corn, smoky spices, tangy lime crema, and fresh cilantro that elevates a basic chicken and rice bowl.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your meal with protein from chicken and black beans, plus essential nutrients from fresh vegetables and herbs.

What You’ll Need For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender grilled protein that serves as the primary source of meat in the bowl.
Grains:
  • Rice: Fluffy white rice forms the base of the street corn chicken rice bowl.
Corn and Vegetable Blend:
  • Corn Kernels, Black Beans, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Fresh ingredients that add color, texture, and Mexican-inspired flavors to the dish.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a bold and warm flavor profile for the corn and overall dish.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cotija Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy elements that provide richness and tanginess to the rice bowl.
Lime Crema Ingredients:
  • Lime Juice, Garlic Powder, Salt: Zesty and aromatic components that create a bright and creamy sauce for the bowl.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro: Herb that adds a fresh and vibrant finishing touch to the street corn chicken rice bowl.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the corn and prevent sticking during cooking.
Print
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Lively Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Lively Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 9 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mexican street corn chicken rice bowls blend zesty grilled corn, tender chicken, and fluffy rice into a flavor-packed culinary adventure. Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a satisfying meal that brings bold southwest flavors straight to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup black beans

Produce and Grains:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (2 times)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Caramelize corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, developing a golden char. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
  2. Whisk sour cream with lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to craft a tangy lime crema, balancing the sauce’s acidity and creaminess.
  3. Create a foundation of fluffy rice in serving bowls, establishing a warm base for the dish.
  4. Artfully arrange grilled chicken slices across the rice, ensuring even distribution of protein.
  5. Scatter the spice-infused charred corn kernels over the chicken, adding a smoky dimension to the bowl.
  6. Distribute black beans, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion for textural complexity and fresh vegetable notes.
  7. Crumble cotija cheese generously across the bowl, introducing a salty, creamy element.
  8. Drizzle lime crema in elegant swirls, allowing the sauce to cascade over the ingredients.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, providing a bright, herbaceous finish.
  10. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and vibrant, capturing the dish’s dynamic flavors.

Notes

  • Corn Roasting Technique: Carefully char corn kernels in a skillet to develop deep, smoky flavor without burning, which enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Crema Customization: Adjust lime juice and garlic powder in the sour cream sauce to balance tanginess and create a personalized creamy topping that complements the chicken.
  • Protein Flexibility: Easily swap grilled chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version of the bowl.
  • Spice Level Control: Modify chili powder and smoked paprika quantities to create a mild or spicier experience based on individual heat preferences.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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