This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together the vibrant flavors of smoky chicken, fresh charred corn, and a zesty lime kick, all atop a bed of fluffy rice. The crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro add a creamy and herbaceous touch that elevates the dish even further. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends and family.
With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, this dish is not only satisfying but also versatile. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or experimenting with your favorite toppings. Whether served as a hearty meal or as a side to your favorite grilled proteins, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is sure to become a crowd-pleaser in no time.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably white or brown)
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/4 cup sour cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the corn and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and caramelized.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked chicken, and charred corn. Toss everything together.
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Drizzle with lime juice and top with cotija cheese and cilantro.
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Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why is Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl So Popular?
The popularity of this dish stems from its ability to combine familiar flavors in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Street corn, or elote, is a beloved Mexican snack typically served on the cob with a generous sprinkle of chili powder, lime, cheese, and sometimes a drizzle of mayonnaise or sour cream. It’s a dish often found at food carts, street vendors, and backyard barbecues. By pairing this beloved street food with chicken and rice, you get a balanced, hearty meal that satisfies both the appetite and the taste buds.
The fusion of street corn with chicken creates a rich, flavorful combination of proteins and vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious. The addition of rice adds a perfect base that soaks up the tangy and spicy flavors from the corn and chicken, creating a filling yet light dish.
Nutritional Benefits of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe not only bursts with flavor but also offers several nutritional benefits. Chicken breast, the primary protein source in this dish, is rich in lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins such as niacin and B6, which play important roles in metabolism and energy production.
Corn is another key ingredient in this recipe, providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Corn is a great source of dietary fiber, which helps promote digestion and keep you feeling full longer. The carotenoids in corn, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are beneficial for eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, the fiber content helps support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
Rice, whether brown or white, serves as an excellent carbohydrate source, providing energy to fuel your body. Brown rice, in particular, offers more fiber and nutrients than its white counterpart, making it a healthier choice overall. The combination of these ingredients provides a balanced meal rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Flavor Profile of Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The flavor profile of this dish is where the magic happens. The chicken is seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, creating a smoky and spicy base that complements the sweetness of the corn. The corn itself is charred in a skillet, which enhances its natural sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness.
The lime juice adds a refreshing tang that brightens the dish, balancing out the richness of the chicken and the creaminess of the cotija cheese. Cotija cheese, often referred to as “Mexican parmesan,” brings a salty, crumbly texture that adds depth to the dish, while fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness.
The sour cream offers a cooling contrast to the heat from the chili powder and paprika, making it the perfect finishing touch to the bowl. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate—smoky, sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy—all in one bite.
Customizing Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
One of the best things about the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is its versatility. You can easily make adjustments to suit your dietary preferences, spice tolerance, or available ingredients. Here are a few ways to customize this recipe:
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Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or even black beans. These ingredients will absorb the same spices and flavors and offer a hearty, satisfying alternative.
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Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the smoked paprika. You can also substitute mild salsa or a squeeze of lemon juice if lime is too tangy.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to load up the bowl with more vegetables. Roasted bell peppers, sautéed onions, or avocado would add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
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Swap Rice: For a lower-carb option, you can swap out the rice for cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even a leafy green base like spinach or arugula.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for Meal Prep
This dish is also an excellent option for meal prep. The components of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl can be made in advance and stored separately in the fridge for up to four days. This makes it a convenient and time-saving option for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without having to cook every day.
To prepare this dish for meal prep, simply cook the chicken, rice, and corn, and store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat the components and assemble the bowls with the lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and sour cream just before serving.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for Special Occasions
While this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal, it’s also great for entertaining guests. The colorful ingredients and the combination of flavors make this dish visually appealing and perfect for serving at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a summer barbecue, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is sure to impress your guests with its bold, vibrant flavors.
You can serve it in individual bowls or as a build-your-own-bowl bar, where guests can assemble their own personalized bowls by adding their favorite toppings. This makes it a fun and interactive dish that allows everyone to customize their meal just the way they like it.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to serve at your next gathering, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. The combination of juicy chicken, charred corn, zesty lime, and creamy cotija cheese makes for a satisfying and hearty meal that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels.
With its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for something new and exciting, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your skillet and start cooking—your taste buds will thank you!