Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
Introduction
If you love bold flavors, hearty meals, and a bit of street food flair, then the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is going to be your next favorite dish. It’s got everything—juicy marinated chicken, creamy and tangy street corn, fluffy rice, and a drizzle of flavorful sauces. Think of it as a comfort food fiesta in a bowl!
The good news is, it's easy to make at home, so you don't have to go searching for a food truck to get your fix. Let's dive in to the ingredients, step-by-step directions, and how you can take it up a notch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (for tenderness)
For the Street Corn Mixture:
2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
For the Rice Base:
1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
Toppings & Extras:
½ avocado, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Extra cotija cheese for garnish
Extra lime wedges for serving
Hot sauce or chipotle mayo (optional, for an extra kick!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse rice in cold water to remove excess starch.
In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil.
Add butter, rice, and salt. Stir once, cover, and put on low heat.
Simmer for 18-20 minutes (or until the water has been absorbed).
Fluff with a fork and reserve.
Step 2: Marinate & Cook the Chicken
Combine spices, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and olive oil in a bowl.
Coat chicken with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
Heat a pan to medium-high and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Let it sit for a minute or two, then cut into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture
Heat a pan to medium-high and sauté the corn. If using fresh corn, allow it to char lightly for a smoky taste.
Combine the cooked corn, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, minced garlic, and cotija cheese in a bowl.
Combine well and add the chopped cilantro.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Start with a fluffy rice base.
Place the sliced chicken on one side of the bowl.
Spoon street corn mixture over half of the rice.
Place avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño slices around the bowl.
Drizzle with chipotle mayo or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Sprinkle extra cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges for that final citrusy touch.
Tips & Variations
Spice it up: Add extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or drizzle with hot sauce.
Use a different protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or steak.
Go low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice in place of regular rice.
Grill it: Grill the chicken and corn for a smoky, charred taste.
Crunch time? Top with crushed tortilla chips.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a dish that has a flavor party in every bite. It's the smoky, spicy, creamy, and fresh that makes it so irresistibly desirable. Meal prep for the week or a speedy delicious dinner? This dish has you covered. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure thing! Simply store each component apart in tightly sealed containers in the fridge and assemble when it's time to serve.
2. Is there a good alternative to cotija cheese?
Feta or Parmesan if you are unable to find cotija.
3. How do I veganize this?
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or even black beans as a protein source.
4. Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Just thaw and pan char it to get the most flavor.
5. What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the rice and chicken separately in a microwave or on the stovetop. The street corn mixture can be enjoyed cold or slightly reheated.