Quick & Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Spice up your weeknight dinner with a zesty street corn chicken rice bowl that brings Mexican-inspired flavors right to your table.

Crispy, charred corn kernels add a smoky crunch to tender, seasoned chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy rice.

Fresh cilantro and a tangy lime crema drizzle elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The combination of textures and bold seasonings creates a mouthwatering experience that satisfies every craving.

Creamy, spicy, and packed with vibrant ingredients, this bowl promises a delicious culinary adventure.

What Makes Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Great

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty flavors from chili powder and smoked paprika that transform ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Requires minimal cooking skills and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
• Customize Your Bowl: Offers flexible options to swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings based on personal preferences and what's in your pantry.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Combines protein-rich chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome rice for a balanced, satisfying meal that fuels your body and delights your taste buds.

Ingredient List for Street Corn Rice Bowls

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the street corn bowl.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice provides a comforting foundation for the dish.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy corn adds a classic street corn flavor profile.

• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a bold and zesty flavor for the chicken.

• Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt, Cotija Cheese, Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Red Onion, Tomatoes: Creamy, tangy, and fresh elements that enhance the overall taste and texture of the street corn chicken rice bowl.

Simple Steps for Street Corn Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Prepare Fluffy White Rice

Start by cooking your rice using your preferred method.

Whether you’re using a rice cooker or stovetop, ensure the rice is perfectly cooked and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle Zesty Chicken

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken thoroughly until it’s golden and cooked through.

Slice the chicken into bite-sized, juicy chunks.

Step 3: Build Vibrant Bowl Base

• Warm cooked rice
• Sweet corn kernels
• Diced red onion
• Chopped ripe tomatoes
• Seasoned chicken pieces

Gently toss all ingredients to create a colorful mixture.

Step 4: Drizzle Creamy Goodness

Generously dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt over the bowl.

Sprinkle crumbly cotija cheese across the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the bowl.

Place lime wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy squeeze.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Grab a fork and dive into this mouthwatering street corn chicken rice bowl.

Enjoy every delicious bite immediately while everything is still warm and fresh!

Pro Tips for Chicken Rice Bowls

• Add black beans or grilled shrimp for extra protein and variety in your bowl.
• Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika levels to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery.
• Swap white rice with quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and nutritional benefits.
• Replace chicken with roasted tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Cook rice and chicken in advance to create a quick weeknight meal in minutes.

Variations for Street Corn Bowls

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Swap: Substitute chicken with black beans or tofu for a protein-packed meatless alternative that keeps the street corn bowl's vibrant southwestern essence.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Option: Use quinoa instead of rice to create a gluten-free base that provides complete protein and a slightly nutty flavor complementing the corn and spices.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace cotija and sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the creamy texture.

Ways to Serve Chicken Rice Bowls

• Fiesta Fresh Bowl: Serve this vibrant dish in large, colorful ceramic bowls to highlight the beautiful mix of ingredients and make each serving look Instagram-worthy.
• Backyard BBQ Style: Pair with grilled vegetable skewers and a cold Mexican beer to create a complete summer meal that feels like a relaxed outdoor gathering.
• Customize Your Plate: Let diners add extra toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce, allowing everyone to personalize their rice bowl with their favorite flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Transform any remaining ingredients into a quick lunch wrap or stuff into a warm tortilla for a delicious next-day meal that prevents food waste.

How to Store Rice Bowls for Later

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep ingredients separate if possible to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Pack the chicken rice bowl components in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy toppings like sour cream or cotija cheese.
• Place rice bowl in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• How spicy is this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and smoked paprika. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cotija?

Yes, you can substitute cotija with queso fresco, feta, or even shredded Mexican blend cheese if cotija is not available. Each cheese will give a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This bowl is relatively nutritious, packed with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vegetables like corn and tomatoes. It offers a balanced meal with good nutritional value.

Tangy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets juicy chicken in this zesty rice bowl, blending smoky, creamy flavors with a tangy cilantro-lime kick. Spicy, fresh ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled or cooked and diced

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

Fresh Vegetables and Toppings:

• 1 cup cooked corn kernels (or charred corn)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Seasonings and Oil:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice following package guidelines, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, generously coating the pan.
3. Season chicken breasts with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Cook chicken thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes for consistent texture and easy eating.
6. Select a spacious mixing bowl to combine cooked rice, sweet corn kernels, diced red onion, fresh tomatoes, and chopped chicken.
7. Create a creamy drizzle using sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt, distributing evenly across the rice mixture.
8. Crumble cotija cheese generously over the bowl, adding a rich, salty dimension.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro for vibrant color and aromatic finish.
10. Accompany the dish with zesty lime wedges to enhance overall flavor profile.
11. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are at their peak.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s protein-packed goodness.
• Try different rice varieties like brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and varied texture.
• Quickly toast corn kernels before adding to enhance their natural sweetness and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Prepare extra seasoned chicken to use in meal prep, storing in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg