Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.

• Bold Flavors: Smoky, tangy, and creamy components come together to make every bite exciting.

• Customizable: Change up the protein, spice level, or base for your perfect bowl.

• Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients that deliver restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sour cream

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• Juice of 1 lime

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Slice into strips.

2. Prepare Corn: In a skillet, cook corn until slightly charred. Mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

3. Assemble Bowl: Layer rice in bowls, top with chicken, seasoned corn, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or black beans.

• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.

• Extra Heat: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out. The street corn topping can be served cold or reheated gently.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for added flavor and juiciness.

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken, rice, and corn ahead of time, and assemble the bowls just before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, canned or frozen corn can be used if fresh corn is unavailable.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more chili powder, smoked paprika, or some sliced jalapeños to the corn mixture for extra heat.

What else can I add to this bowl?

Try adding avocado, diced tomatoes, or roasted peppers for extra flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the rice from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of water or broth before reheating in the microwave to keep the rice moist.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works great for a heartier and healthier option.

How can I make this meal lower in calories?

Use less mayo or sour cream and opt for a lower-calorie protein like grilled shrimp or chicken breast.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the chicken and rice components, but the street corn topping is best served fresh.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With its zesty corn topping and seasoned chicken, it’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead.