Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl- How to Make It Easy

Introduction

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness with this easy recipe for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, all topped with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy corn mixture that tastes just like your favorite street corn. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to make. I still remember the first time I tried a version of this at a food truck – the vibrant flavors were so addictive, I knew I had to recreate it at home! What makes this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl so special is how it brings together familiar, comforting elements with a burst of exciting Mexican-inspired flavors, and the best part? It’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights and a hit with the whole family. If you’ve enjoyed our popular easy burrito bowls, you’re absolutely going to love this flavorful and convenient Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Let’s get cooking!

What is Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Ever wondered what makes a dish a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? Well, the name pretty much tells the story! It’s a vibrant and flavorful bowl that combines the goodness of rice, tender chicken, and the irresistible taste of Mexican street corn, also known as Elote. Think of it as taking all the best parts of grilled street corn – that creamy, tangy, chili-lime goodness – and pairing it with hearty chicken and fluffy rice in a convenient bowl format. I once playfully described it to a friend as a “deconstructed Elote with added protein power!” It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy those classic street food flavors in a satisfying and complete meal. As they say, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is sure to win over everyone at your table! Ready to give it a try?

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

There are so many reasons why this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will become a staple in your meal rotation. The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible combination of flavors. You get the savory, perfectly seasoned chicken, the fluffy, comforting rice, and the star of the show – the creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and sweet corn mixture that perfectly mimics the beloved Mexican street corn. Each bite is an explosion of taste and texture that will leave you completely satisfied.

Making this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl at home is not only incredibly easy but also a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering takeout or dining out. You can control the quality of the ingredients and customize it to your liking, all while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice or rotisserie chicken, making it a budget-friendly option.

What makes this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl truly special are the flavorful toppings and ingredients that bring it all together. The creamy dressing for the corn, made with mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist), lime juice, and spices, perfectly coats the sweet corn kernels. The addition of crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro adds a salty and herbaceous touch that elevates the dish. You can even add a sprinkle of chili powder or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is also incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping – you can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat. If you enjoy the ease and flavor of our popular chicken and broccoli rice bowl, you’ll find this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to be another incredibly convenient and delicious option. So, are you ready to experience this flavor-packed and easy-to-make meal? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Quick Overview –

Making this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a breeze! The process involves a few simple steps: First, you’ll cook your rice until it’s fluffy and tender. Next, you’ll prepare the chicken – you can grill it, pan-fry it, bake it, or even use pre-cooked chicken for ultimate ease. The star of the show is the creamy, tangy street corn-inspired sauce, which is simply a matter of mixing a few ingredients together with sweet corn. Finally, you’ll assemble your bowls by layering the rice, chicken, and the flavorful street corn mixture. It’s that easy! The key features that make this dish so satisfying are the combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and the creamy, slightly spicy, and sweet corn. With a quick prep time of around 20 minutes and a cooking time of about 15-20 minutes (depending on your chicken cooking method), you’ll have a delicious and satisfying Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ready in no time.

Key Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Here’s a list of all the delicious ingredients you’ll need to make this easy and flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will ensure the best taste!

• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown, your preference)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can or 1 ½ cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• Optional toppings: chopped red onion, sliced avocado, hot sauce

A Note on Ingredients:

• Cooked Rice: You can use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice to save time.
• Chicken: Feel free to use chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will be more tender and juicy, while breasts are leaner. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Corn: Canned, frozen (thawed), or fresh corn will all work well in this recipe. If using fresh corn, you can grill it for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mayonnaise and Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: These create the creamy base for the street corn sauce. Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to sour cream.
• Lime Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest are crucial for that authentic, bright citrus flavor.
• Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly Mexican cheese adds a wonderful savory element. If you can’t find cotija, crumbled feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that is essential for authentic street corn flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make this incredibly easy and flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? Follow these simple step-by-step instructions:

1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package directions. You can use a rice cooker or the stovetop method. Set aside and keep warm.
   
   • Tip: For extra flavor, you can cook your rice in chicken broth instead of water.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
   
   • Flavor boost: For an even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate it in the spices and a little extra lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
   
   • Check for doneness: The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare the Corn (if using fresh): If you’re using fresh corn on the cob, you can grill it for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred. Once cooled enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob.
   
   • Grilling tip: Grilling the corn adds a smoky sweetness that enhances the street corn flavor.
5. Make the Street Corn Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh), mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
   
   • Spice it up: If you like a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the corn sauce.
6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
   
7. Add the Chicken: Top the rice in each bowl with the cooked chicken.
   
8. Spoon on the Street Corn Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy street corn mixture over the chicken in each bowl.
   
9. Garnish: Sprinkle each bowl with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro.
   
10. Add Optional Toppings (if desired): If you like, you can add other delicious toppings such as chopped red onion, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
    
11. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your flavorful and easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl immediately!
    

What to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl With

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal or serve it at a gathering, here are a few delicious suggestions. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing element. For those who love a bit of crunch, some crispy tortilla chips or baked tortilla strips would be a great addition. A side of your favorite salsa or a dollop of fresh guacamole can also enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors. To drink, a refreshing agua fresca, like horchata or limeade, would be a perfect complement to this flavorful bowl.

Top Tips for Perfecting Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Want to make your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl even better? Here are some top tips for success:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and still juicy.
• Taste and Adjust the Corn Sauce: Before assembling the bowls, taste the street corn sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add more lime juice for tanginess, chili powder for spice, or salt and pepper to taste.
• Use Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in the brightness and flavor of the corn sauce. Avoid using bottled lime juice if possible.
• Warm the Corn: While you can use cold corn, warming it slightly before mixing it into the sauce can enhance its flavor.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add black beans, pico de gallo, pickled onions, or any other ingredients you enjoy.
• Consider Marinating the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and some lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will make it even more tender and flavorful.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing: If you have any leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, it’s best to store the components separately to maintain their texture and flavor. Store the cooked chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The street corn sauce is best stored separately and will last for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken and rice, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or you can use the microwave. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out. The street corn sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so you likely won’t need to reheat it. Avoid freezing the assembled bowls, as the texture of the rice and the sauce may change upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately if you plan to store them for a longer period (up to 2-3 months).

Conclusion 

And there you have it – your guide to making an easy and incredibly delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a flavorful lunch, or even a fun and casual gathering. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the amazing flavors of street corn combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl turned out! For more easy and flavorful bowl recipes, be sure to check out our other delicious creations! Happy cooking!