If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and flavor-packed meal, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try! It combines juicy seasoned chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with a zesty sauce for an irresistible meal. Inspired by Mexican Street Corn (elote), this dish is bursting with smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a healthy lunch option.
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Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
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For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of ½ lime
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For the Street Corn Mixture:
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup cotija or feta cheese (crumbled)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
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For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- Extra lime wedges and cilantro for garnish
Substitutions for Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Chicken Alternative: Use shrimp, tofu, or even steak for a different protein
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap mayo and sour cream for dairy-free yogurt
- Rice Swap: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce for a lower-carb version
- Cheese Alternative: Cotija cheese can be replaced with feta or Parmesan
How to Make Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips
- Prepare the Street Corn: In a bowl, mix corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Stir in chopped cilantro
- Assemble the Bowls: Add a base of rice, then layer on the sliced chicken and street corn mixture. Top with diced red onion, avocado slices, and extra cilantro
- Serve & Enjoy: Squeeze fresh lime over the top and enjoy your Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Mix-ins for Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Black beans or pinto beans for extra protein
- Jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Chopped bell peppers for crunch
- A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for extra heat
Recipe Tips for Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
- Char the corn in a skillet for extra flavor
- Adjust seasoning levels based on spice preference
Storage for Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Meal Prep: Keep the rice, chicken, and street corn mixture separate for best freshness
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave, adding fresh lime juice before serving
Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Version: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce before serving
- BBQ Twist: Use BBQ chicken instead of seasoned chicken for a smoky-sweet flavor
- Taco Bowl Style: Replace rice with shredded lettuce for a lighter option
- Extra Creamy: Add more mayo or sour cream for extra richness
FAQs for Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I use frozen corn? Yes! Just thaw and char it in a skillet for better texture
How do I make it spicier? Add extra cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut for a quick meal
Is this good for meal prep? Yes! Just keep components separate until ready to eat
Final Thoughts on Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal loaded with bold flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will keep you coming back for more. Try it today and let me know how you liked it in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assemble the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! For optimal freshness, store the cooked rice, seasoned chicken, and street corn mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can assemble the bowls just before serving to prevent the rice from getting soggy. The components will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
What are the best ingredient substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or steak for a different protein. For a dairy-free option, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free yogurt. If you prefer a lower-carb option, use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce in place of the rice. Cotija cheese can be replaced with feta or Parmesan cheese.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout, with no pink remaining. The texture should be firm, and it should easily slice into strips without being tough or dry. Also, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe! Simply double or triple the ingredient quantities proportionally. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Ensure you use a large enough bowl to mix the street corn mixture. Cooking times might slightly increase, so monitor the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What are the main nutritional benefits of this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
This dish offers a good balance of nutrients. Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Corn offers fiber and antioxidants. The avocado adds healthy fats, and the lime juice contributes vitamin C. The rice provides carbohydrates for energy, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
