Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together the bold, creamy flavors of Mexican street corn with tender grilled chicken and zesty cilantro lime rice. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a flavorful fusion of classic street food and hearty rice bowl comfort. It’s easy to make, meal prep-friendly, and customizable to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or tangy, this dish delivers on all fronts with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Lime juice
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping:

• Sweet corn kernels (grilled or sautéed)
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
• Chili powder
• Salt and pepper
• Lime wedges

For the Rice:

• Cooked jasmine or white rice
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra Cotija cheese
• Hot sauce

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix lime juice, oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 8–10 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
3. Make the Street Corn Topping:
   In a bowl, combine corn, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili powder, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. Stir until well mixed.
4. Prepare the Rice:
   Mix the cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
   Divide the rice among serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken and street corn mixture. Add optional toppings if desired and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or top with hot sauce.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or black beans.
• Grain Swap: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
• Cheese Substitutes: Feta or shredded cheddar can replace Cotija if unavailable.
• Taco Style: Skip the rice and serve everything in tortillas for tacos.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add fresh toppings like avocado and lime juice after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.

FAQs

What is street corn?

Street corn, or “Elote,” is a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

Yes, canned or frozen corn can be used. Just make sure to drain and sauté it for the best flavor.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the street corn topping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check store-bought items like mayonnaise or sour cream for any added gluten.

What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?

Feta or queso fresco are good alternatives, offering a similar salty and crumbly texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, all components can be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving.

How do I make it spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, more chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine or white rice is ideal, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier twist.

How long does the chicken need to marinate?

Marinate for at least 15 minutes, though up to 2 hours is ideal for deeper flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and makes this recipe even quicker to prepare.

Conclusion

The Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. With its mix of smoky, creamy, and citrusy flavors, it’s a great go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to make it your own.

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