BEST STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL

Craving that sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible flavor of Mexican street corn, but want something a little more substantial? This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe is your answer, transforming classic elote into a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness that’s both fun to make and even better to eat – I promise you’ll be hooked!

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your favorite)

For Toppings (Get Creative!):

• Diced red onion
• Pickled jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce

Let’s Prep Like Pros: Before You Begin

Okay, friend, before we even *think* about turning on the stove, let’s get organized. This is key to making this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a breeze. First, cook your rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and gather all your spices. Husk your corn and get your toppings prepped and ready to go. Trust me; having everything at your fingertips will make the cooking process so much smoother. Also, if you are looking for another great chicken bowl option, check out this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, its another one of my favorites.

Step-by-Step to Flavor Town: Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated – we want maximum flavor!
2. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Grill (or Broil!) the Corn

1. There are a few ways to cook the corn. My favorite is grilling! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the husked corn with olive oil.
2. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. Alternatively, you can broil the corn in the oven for a similar effect – just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
3. If you don’t have a grill or broiler, you can also boil the corn for about 5-7 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Make the Magic: Street Corn Dressing

1. While the corn is cooling slightly, prepare the street corn dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cotija cheese (or feta), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder (if using).
2. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
3. Add the corn kernels to the dressing and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Now comes the fun part! Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
2. Top with the cooked chicken and the street corn mixture.
3. Add your favorite toppings – diced red onion, pickled jalapeños, avocado slices, lime wedges, and hot sauce are all fantastic choices!
4. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite!

Troubleshooting Time: Common Questions Answered

• My chicken is dry! Don’t overcook it! Chicken breasts are lean and can dry out easily. Make sure your pan is hot enough to sear the chicken quickly, and don’t cook it for longer than necessary. A meat thermometer is your best friend here – aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also use chicken thighs for a more moist alternative.
• I don’t have cotija cheese. What can I substitute? No problem! Feta cheese is a great substitute for cotija. It has a similar salty and crumbly texture. Queso fresco is another option.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prep. Cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the street corn mixture shortly before serving, or store it separately as well. Assemble the bowls just before eating to prevent the rice from getting soggy. You might also enjoy these Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Irresistible another great recipe to make ahead of time.
• I don’t have a grill. Can I still make this? Of course! As mentioned above, you can broil the corn in the oven or boil it on the stovetop.
• Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can! Thaw the frozen corn completely before adding it to the street corn mixture. You may want to sauté it in a pan with a little butter to give it some extra flavor.

Spice It Up! Flavor Variations to Try

Ready to get a little adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try with your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:

• Add Black Beans: Toss in a can of rinsed and drained black beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the street corn dressing for an extra kick.
• Go Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Try Different Rice: Experiment with different types of rice, such as cilantro-lime rice or brown rice.
• Incorporate other flavors: Consider adding other flavors that you enjoy. You might like the Hot Honey Feta Chicken or the Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe for inspiration.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Why not try this Taco Rice Bowl Magic if you are in the mood for something different.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
• Protein: 40-50g
• Carbohydrates: 60-80g
• Fat: 20-30g

That’s a Wrap! Time to Dig In!

There you have it – your very own Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl masterpiece! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect bowl. Happy cooking, friend!