Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe

Zesty Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe for Flavor Fanatics

Crafting a mouthwatering street corn chicken bowl sparks culinary excitement like nothing else.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate with vibrant zest.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle perfectly with tender, seasoned chicken.

Bold spices create a symphony of taste that awakens every sense.

Crisp textures and rich, creamy elements combine for an unforgettable meal.

Colorful ingredients promise a delightful adventure for anyone seeking something extraordinary.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate an incredible flavor journey.

Chicken Rice Bowl With Street Corn Boldness

  • Savor Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious bowl in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, satisfying dinner solution.
  • Celebrate Versatile Flavor Fusion: Blend Mexican street corn vibes with classic chicken and rice, creating a mouthwatering dish that combines multiple culinary traditions in one exciting meal.
  • Customize Like a Pro: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for other proteins, adding extra toppings, or adjusting spice levels to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
  • Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, perfect for creating a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Grains:
  • White Rice: Fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors, long-grain varieties work best for optimal texture.
Produce and Fresh Elements:
  • Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy corn that brings a classic street corn style to the bowl, fresh or frozen corn both work well.
  • Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of green and authentic Mexican flair, best when freshly chopped.
Liquid and Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and adds a subtle richness, extra virgin provides the best flavor.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Flavorful Cooking Method

Step 1: Awaken Chicken Flavors

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with a vibrant blend of spices including chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Massage the seasonings gently into the meat, ensuring every inch is coated with delicious flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Transform Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, allowing them to cook and develop a golden-brown exterior.

Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, watching for a perfect golden color and ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

Step 3: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.

This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.

Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken into thin, elegant strips that will beautifully crown your rice bowl.

Step 4: Prepare Street Corn Topping

Ingredients for street corn topping:
  • Corn kernels
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cotija cheese
  • Chili powder
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime juice

Combine all street corn ingredients in a bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy, zesty topping that brings authentic Mexican street food flair to your dish.

Step 5: Assemble Rice Bowl

Layer cooked rice in a bowl, top with sliced chicken, and generously spoon the street corn mixture over the top.

Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime for a burst of brightness.

Flavor Boosting Ideas For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Let the cooked chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting to keep the meat juicy and prevent moisture loss.
  • Adjust the chili and garlic powder quantities to match your personal heat preference or dietary needs.
  • Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary requirements.
  • Allow chicken to marinate in spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance overall taste and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Keep Corn Chicken Bowl for the Next Day

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Keep rice, chicken, and corn toppings in different containers to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
  • Warm sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water on rice before microwaving, then cover and heat in 30-second intervals, fluffing with a fork between each interval to restore moisture and prevent clumping.

Street Corn Chicken Bowl Ideas

  • Elevate Mexican Street Corn Flavor Boost: Pair this chicken rice bowl with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, which complements the smoky chili and cumin spices perfectly.
  • Creamy Contrast Companion: Add a dollop of cool, tangy Mexican crema or sour cream to balance the dish's warm, spicy profile and provide a smooth textural counterpoint.
  • Fresh Zesty Sidekick: Serve with a bright, citrusy lime-cilantro salsa fresca that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, vibrant layer of flavor to the hearty rice bowl.
  • Complementary Heat Enhancer: Include sliced jalapeños or a small side of salsa verde to give diners the option to dial up the spice and add extra depth to the already robust chicken dish.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe Twists

  • Vegetarian Corn Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, seasoned with the same spice blend for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a lower-carb base that maintains the vibrant street corn flavors.
  • Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with seared shrimp or grilled white fish for a lighter, ocean-inspired version of the original recipe.
  • Spicy Lover's Edition: Add diced jalapeños, drizzle with sriracha mayo, and sprinkle extra chili powder to intensify the heat and bold Mexican-inspired profile.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this bowl its unique street corn flavor?

Cotija cheese, chili powder, and grilled corn kernels provide the classic Mexican street corn (elote) taste profile, creating a vibrant and authentic culinary experience.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and cumin, which can be easily adjusted by reducing or increasing the spice amount to suit individual taste preferences.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, black beans, or tofu to create a customized rice bowl that matches your dietary needs or preferences.

  • What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal, with cilantro-lime rice being an excellent complementary option that enhances the overall Mexican-inspired flavor profile of the dish.

Print
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Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings zesty corn, tender chicken, and creamy sauce together in one irresistible dish. Spicy cilantro lime rice and charred corn kernels create a fiesta of flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains:

  • 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice)

Vegetables and Corn:

  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Blend chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken breasts.
  2. Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface.
  3. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust and cook through completely.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance tenderness.
  5. Slice the chicken into thin, uniform strips that will distribute easily throughout the rice bowl.
  6. While the chicken rests, prepare the complementary components like street corn and rice to create a harmonious dish.
  7. Layer the rice in serving bowls as a foundational base for the meal.
  8. Arrange the sliced chicken atop the rice, creating an inviting and appetizing presentation.
  9. Garnish with fresh street corn kernels, adding a vibrant and textural element to the bowl.
  10. Finish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a drizzle of creamy sauce to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

  • Achieve tender, juicy chicken by avoiding overcooking and letting it rest after grilling to retain moisture.
  • Swap chicken for tofu or black beans to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the same zesty street corn flavor profile.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin amounts, catering to mild or bold taste preferences without overwhelming the dish.
  • Use leftover grilled corn or canned corn as quick alternatives when fresh corn is unavailable, ensuring convenience without sacrificing taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 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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