Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Cooking a mouthwatering street corn chicken rice bowl sparks culinary adventure in your kitchen.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside tender chicken pieces, creating a vibrant melody of flavors.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this colorful dish that promises satisfaction.

Spices whisper complex notes through each carefully crafted bite.

Crisp textures and rich seasonings elevate this simple meal into something extraordinary.

Bold yet approachable, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels.

One taste will transport you to a bustling street market filled with delicious possibilities.

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Is Packed With Flavor

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Break down complex cooking steps into manageable tasks, perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Bursting with Vibrant Flavors: Combine smoky grilled corn, zesty seasoned chicken, and tangy lime for a taste explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Customize Your Bowl: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, appealing to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Elevate your home cooking with professional-level techniques like charring corn and perfectly seasoning chicken, delivering gourmet taste without expensive restaurant prices.

What You’ll Need For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Rice: A fluffy base that provides a hearty foundation for the bowl.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein seasoned with bold spices for a flavorful main component.
• Corn: Fresh corn that adds a sweet and smoky element to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a robust and zesty chicken seasoning.

• Mayonnaise, Lime: A creamy and tangy combination that adds moisture and brightness to the bowl.
• Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs and cheese that provide texture, color, and a burst of authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and ensuring a golden brown exterior.

How To Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Fast

Step 1: Prepare Fluffy Rice

Cook rice following package directions to achieve light, separated grains that provide a perfect base for the bowl.

Step 2: Season Chicken Strips

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, typically taking 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Char Corn for Smoky Flavor

Grill corn ears, rotating to create a deep golden color and smoky char that enhances the overall taste profile.

Step 5: Remove Corn Kernels

Use a sharp knife to slice kernels from the cob, creating a rustic and textured topping for the bowl.

Step 6: Layer Rice Base

Spread warm rice as the foundation of the bowl, creating a hearty base.

Step 7: Arrange Chicken

Place seasoned chicken strips on top of the rice, ensuring even distribution.

Step 8: Sprinkle Corn Kernels

Generously scatter grilled corn kernels across the chicken layer.

Step 9: Add Creamy and Tangy Drizzle

Drizzle mayonnaise over the bowl and squeeze fresh lime juice to add brightness and zesty flavor.

Step 10: Garnish with Finishing Touches

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the bowl immediately while ingredients are warm and toppings are fresh, creating a vibrant and delicious meal.

Simple Tips For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate in spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to deepen seasoning penetration and enhance overall taste profile.
• Corn Charring Technique: Use cast-iron skillet or grill pan for optimal corn caramelization, ensuring smoky flavor without burning kernels.
• Rice Texture Perfection: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, preventing clumping and creating light, fluffy base for your bowl.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Temperature Balance: Serve bowls immediately while ingredients remain warm, preserving optimal texture and preventing soggy rice or cooled toppings.

Fun Variations Of Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Spicy Southwest Bowl: Replace regular rice with cilantro-lime rice, add black beans, and incorporate diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Fusion Bowl: Swap chili-seasoned chicken with oregano-marinated chicken, top with crumbled feta, cucumber chunks, and tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Teriyaki Hawaiian Bowl: Use teriyaki-glazed chicken, substitute corn with grilled pineapple chunks, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and add a drizzle of sriracha mayo for tropical flair.
• Veggie Protein Bowl: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, add sautéed bell peppers, and use a smoky paprika seasoning blend for a plant-based alternative.

Tasty Pairings For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that complements the zesty lime and cuts through the creamy mayonnaise, enhancing the bowl's vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Refreshing Cocktail Match: Mix a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and a touch of agave, creating a perfect flavor harmony that mirrors the dish's bright and spicy profile.
• Cooling Beverage Option: Opt for a Mexican-style lager like Modelo Especial, whose light and crisp nature balances the rich chicken and creamy cheese, providing a clean palate refreshment.
• Nonalcoholic Companion: Serve a homemade agua fresca with fresh lime and cucumber, offering a cool, hydrating counterpoint that echoes the bowl's bright and fresh ingredients.

How To Keep Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Fresh

• Store leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping ingredients separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Keep chicken, rice, corn, and toppings in individual sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze plain cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months, avoiding mayonnaise and fresh toppings which do not freeze well.
• Warm refrigerated rice and chicken in microwave or skillet, adding fresh corn kernels and toppings after reheating to preserve crispness and flavor intensity.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Q&A

• What are the key spices used in seasoning the chicken?

The chicken is seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, creating a bold and flavorful profile that complements the street corn and rice.

• How do I achieve the best corn flavor for the bowl?

Grill or char the corn ears until the kernels develop a deep golden color and slight smokiness, which adds a rich, caramelized taste to the dish.

• Can I substitute cotija cheese if I can't find it?

If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can use feta cheese as a similar salty and crumbly alternative that provides a comparable flavor and texture.

Charred Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican street corn chicken rice bowls blend smoky grilled chicken with creamy elote-inspired flavors, creating a zesty fusion of comfort and culture. Spicy, tangy, and rich, this bowl delivers a fiesta of textures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 ears of corn
• 1.5 cups white rice

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Toppings and Garnish:

• 0.25 cup cotija cheese
• 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.
2. Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips, then season thoroughly with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cooking chicken until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. While chicken cooks, grill or char corn ears until kernels develop a deep golden color and slight smokiness, rotating to ensure even caramelization.
5. Remove corn kernels from cobs using a sharp knife, creating a textured and rustic topping.
6. Assemble bowls by layering warm rice as the base, then arranging seasoned chicken strips over the rice.
7. Generously sprinkle grilled corn kernels across the chicken.
8. Drizzle mayonnaise over the bowl, then squeeze fresh lime juice for brightness.
9. Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately while ingredients are warm and toppings are fresh.

Notes

• Customize rice texture by rinsing grains before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring separated and fluffy result.
• Achieve perfect chicken sear by patting meat dry before seasoning, allowing spices to adhere and create golden-brown crust.
• Elevate corn flavor by using cast-iron skillet or grill pan for deeper caramelization and smoky undertones when charring kernels.
• Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lower-fat option or using plant-based cheese alternative for vegan version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg