Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Introduction

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl quickly became a family favorite in my house. It has all the right components: tender, spiced chicken, creamy and zesty street corn, and fluffy rice that soaks up all the flavor. The combination of textures, from the crispy chicken to the sweet charred corn, makes every bite deliciously satisfying. And let’s not forget the creamy dressing that ties everything together with just the right amount of spice. It’s the kind of dish that fills you up, but not in a heavy way, making it perfect for a quick and hearty lunch or dinner. Whether you’re serving it to your family, guests, or just yourself, this bowl brings the flavors of Mexican street corn to life in a way that’s easy and comforting.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Rice Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
• Extra lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden. Once done, remove from heat and set the chicken aside.
2. Make the Street Corn:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the corn and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the corn becomes slightly charred. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Once the corn is done cooking, add it to the bowl with the dressing mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
   Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with the seasoned chicken, a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture, and any extra cheese or cilantro, if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Servings: 4 bowls
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 27g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve this rice bowl as a filling and balanced meal.
• With Extra Lime: Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the top for an extra burst of citrus.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: For added richness, sprinkle more cotija or feta cheese on top.
• Garnished with Fresh Cilantro: Add a handful of fresh cilantro to finish it off for added freshness.
• Side of Chips: Pair the rice bowl with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.

Additional Tips

1. Use Frozen Corn for Convenience: If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just as well.
2. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Use Greek Yogurt for a Healthier Option: For a lighter and protein-packed alternative, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the street corn mixture.
4. Add Avocado: Sliced avocado on top of the rice bowl can add a creamy texture and additional flavor.
5. Grill the Chicken: For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Add Black Beans: Incorporating black beans into the rice bowl adds fiber and protein, making the dish even heartier.
• Different Rice Choices: Instead of plain rice, try cilantro-lime rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
• Spicy Street Corn: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the street corn mixture for extra spice.
• Bowl with Guacamole: Serve the rice bowl with a scoop of fresh guacamole for a creamy and flavorful topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Family Dinner: This dish is perfect for a family meal. You can easily scale it up by adding more chicken, rice, and corn.
• Meal Prep: Make this dish ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for a delicious, pre-portioned lunch throughout the week.
• Taco Night: Serve the street corn chicken rice bowls alongside soft tortillas for a fun twist on taco night.
• BBQ Side Dish: Serve as a side to grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or even BBQ chicken.
• With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance out the flavors and add more veggies to the meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and street corn mixture separately. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 months, while the street corn can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble over fresh rice.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the rice bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen corn works just as well as fresh corn and is a great time-saving option.
2. Can I use a different type of rice?
   Absolutely! Brown rice or cilantro-lime rice would work perfectly in this recipe.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, the chicken and street corn can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I substitute the sour cream?
   Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.
5. How do I make the chicken more flavorful?
   Marinating the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking will enhance its flavor.
6. Can I add other toppings to this bowl?
   Yes, toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce would work well with this dish.
7. How do I make this dish spicier?
   Add more chili powder, or include a finely chopped jalapeño in the street corn mixture.
8. Can I use grilled chicken?
   Yes, grilling the chicken will give it an extra smoky flavor.
9. How can I make this recipe vegan?
   Use tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken, and swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives.
10. How can I make the rice more flavorful?
    Use cilantro-lime rice or add a bit of chicken broth to the rice when cooking to enhance its flavor.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice, topped with a zesty dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prep, or as a side dish, this recipe is versatile, full of flavor, and easy to customize. With its quick preparation time and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.