Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Flavor Fans

Crafting a mouth-watering street corn chicken rice bowl brings together vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that dance on your plate.

Summer’s bounty inspires this colorful culinary creation packed with zesty ingredients.

Kernels of sweet corn nestle alongside tender, seasoned chicken chunks in a hearty rice base.

Creamy, tangy elements blend perfectly with smoky spices that awaken every sense.

Lime’s bright acidity cuts through rich textures, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Seasonal produce and bold seasonings turn this simple dish into a celebration of fresh, exciting tastes.

You’ll want to savor each delicious bite and share this incredible recipe with everyone around your table.

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Is So Satisfying

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious street corn chicken rice bowl in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavor-packed dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Swap ingredients easily by using rotisserie chicken, adding different beans, or switching up toppings to match your pantry and personal taste preferences.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Combine protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime crema for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and delivers incredible taste in every bite.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavors at Home: Recreate the magic of street corn with perfectly charred kernels, authentic Mexican-inspired spices, and a creamy lime sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style bowl.

Chicken Rice Bowl (Street Corn) Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the street corn rice bowl.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty, tangy flavor to the dish.

• Corn Kernels: Sweet and smoky ingredient that brings a classic street corn flavor when charred.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutrition.
• Red Onion, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and bright flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps to char corn and provides a smooth cooking base.
• Sour Cream, Lime Juice: Core components of the creamy, zesty lime crema.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Spice blend that gives a warm, complex Mexican-inspired taste.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, herbaceous finish.
• Rice: Neutral base that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the bowl.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Assembly Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Heat a skillet on medium flame and pour olive oil.

Toss corn kernels and sizzle them until they develop golden brown edges.

• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook until corn looks perfectly caramelized.

Set corn aside.

Step 2: Create Zesty Lime Crema

• Sour cream
• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust lime juice for desired tanginess.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Start with fluffy rice as foundation.

• Grilled chicken slices
• Charred corn
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped red onion
• Crumbled cotija cheese

Step 4: Finish With Creamy Drizzle

Pour lime crema generously over layered bowl.

Scatter fresh cilantro leaves on top for bright flavor and color.

Step 5: Serve And Devour

Bring bowl to table immediately.

Grab a fork and enjoy this vibrant Mexican-inspired meal packed with exciting textures and zesty flavors.

Chicken Rice Bowl Serving Hints

• Roast corn kernels until golden brown for deeper, smoky flavor and enhanced sweetness.
• Swap grilled chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or black beans for diverse protein options.
• Add more lime juice for tangier sauce or reduce for a creamier texture; adjust according to personal preference.
• Cook rice and chop vegetables in advance to streamline assembly and create faster weeknight dinners.
• Use gluten-free rice and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.

Street Corn Rice Bowl Leftovers – Keep Them Tasty

• Store leftover bowl components separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Keep rice, chicken, corn, and toppings in distinct containers to preserve individual textures and prevent moisture transfer.
• Warm rice in microwave with a damp paper towel for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to ensure even heating and restore soft texture.
• Gently reheat chicken in skillet over medium-low heat or microwave with splash of water to prevent drying, warming just until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Easy Sides for Corn Chicken Bowl

• Boost Flavor Companions: Vibrant Mexican Lager Perfectly Complements the Spicy and Zesty Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
• Refreshing Citrus Pairing: Crisp Margarita Highlights the Lime Crema's Tangy Notes and Balances the Bowl's Rich Flavors.
• Cool Down Contrast: Creamy Avocado Salad Adds Smooth Texture and Mild Freshness to Cut Through the Bowl's Spicy Elements.
• Wine Selection Delight: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Offers Bright Acidity That Matches the Dish's Vibrant Lime and Chili Undertones.

Street Corn Chicken Bowl with Options

• Vegan Street Corn Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Swap cotija cheese for nutritional yeast or vegan feta. Use plant-based sour cream alternative for lime crema.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure rice is certified gluten-free. Confirm all spices and seasonings are gluten-free certified. Check chicken for no gluten-containing marinades.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Bowl: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to corn mixture. Increase chili powder and smoked paprika for extra heat. Include sliced avocado for cooling balance.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Keep protein and vegetable toppings same. Reduce beans to lower carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• How do I get a nice char on the corn?

Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Don’t stir the corn constantly; let it sit for a minute or two to develop those delicious brown spots. A little char adds amazing smoky flavor.

• Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or black beans as your protein source. The corn and other vegetables will keep the bowl packed with flavor and nutrition.

• What if I don't have cotija cheese?

No problem! You can substitute with feta cheese or queso fresco. These cheeses have similar crumbly textures and tangy flavors that work perfectly in street corn style dishes.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and smoked paprika. If you want more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. For less spice, reduce or omit the chili powder.

Peppery Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets savory chicken in this irresistible rice bowl, blending smoky grilled flavors with creamy cotija and zesty lime. Packed with bold spices and fresh ingredients, this bowl delivers a mouthwatering fiesta that brings you straight to the heart of Mexican street cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

Grains:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Lime Crema:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Ignite a skillet over medium flame, introducing olive oil to caramelize corn kernels until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes. Infuse with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper for a vibrant flavor profile.
2. Craft a zesty lime crema by whisking sour cream with tangy lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, adjusting the citrus intensity to personal preference.
3. Construct the culinary canvas by laying a foundation of fluffy rice, then artfully arrange grilled chicken slices as the centerpiece.
4. Cascade the charred corn, black beans, ruby-red tomatoes, and crisp red onion around the chicken, creating a colorful landscape.
5. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese across the bowl, adding a creamy, salty dimension to the ensemble.
6. Generously drizzle the lime crema, allowing it to weave through the ingredients, binding the flavors together.
7. Shower fresh cilantro over the top, introducing a burst of herbal brightness that elevates the entire composition.
8. Present immediately, inviting diners to explore the layers of texture and taste in this vibrant street corn chicken rice bowl.

Notes

• Maximize corn’s flavor by using fresh, in-season kernels for a sweeter, more intense taste profile.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and smoked paprika amounts to suit personal spice preferences.
• Transform into vegetarian version by replacing chicken with grilled tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms for protein alternative.
• Quick meal prep hack: Grill extra chicken and corn during weekend to streamline weeknight dinner assembly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 71 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg