Spicy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe You’ll Crave

Comfort meets excitement in this mouthwatering street corn chicken rice bowl that blends vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors with hearty, satisfying ingredients.

Smoky grilled chicken mingles perfectly with sweet corn kernels and creamy sauce, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Each spoonful promises a burst of tangy, zesty goodness that will awaken your taste buds.

The combination of tender rice, charred corn, and succulent chicken delivers a balanced meal packed with robust seasonings.

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of lime juice add brightness to every bite.

Spice lovers and flavor enthusiasts will adore this incredibly easy-to-make dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Prepare to savor a bowl that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

Why Street Corn Chicken Bowls Are Packed With Flavor

• Quick and Effortless Meal: Whip up this street corn chicken rice bowl with minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch solutions.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine bold Mexican-inspired spices with creamy dressing, creating a mouthwatering dish that satisfies complex taste cravings without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the bowl by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, making it ideal for picky eaters and diverse dietary preferences.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your meal with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vibrant vegetables, delivering a balanced and filling dinner option that keeps you energized.

Ingredients for This Mexican-Style Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken: Tender protein perfect for a hearty bowl.
• Rice: Fluffy base that soaks up delicious flavors.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and color.

• Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend for bold chicken flavor.
• Paprika: Warm, slightly smoky seasoning.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base for tangy sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese with salty kick.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brightens the dish.
• Lime: Zesty citrus for a burst of freshness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing chicken.

How to Build a Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prep Chicken for Sizzling

Grab your chicken and dice it into bite-sized pieces.

• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix the spices thoroughly to coat every piece of chicken evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cilantro Sauce

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Paprika

Whisk all ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 4: Build Delicious Rice Bowls

Scoop cooked rice into serving bowls, creating an even base.

Layer the golden chicken pieces over the rice.

Add fresh corn kernels to each bowl.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Drizzle the creamy cilantro sauce generously over each bowl.

Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro on top.

Place a vibrant lime wedge on the side of each bowl.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Right before eating, squeeze the lime wedge over the bowl to add a bright, zesty flavor.

Dive in and savor every delicious bite of your street corn chicken rice bowl!

Handy Tips for This Street Corn Combo

• Use a blend of chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base that ensures every bite of chicken is packed with zesty goodness.
• Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and paprika until smooth to achieve a creamy, well-integrated dressing that coats ingredients evenly.
• Choose fresh or grilled corn for an authentic street corn experience, adding a sweet and smoky dimension to the rice bowl.
• Layer rice, chicken, and corn carefully to create a harmonious mix of soft, tender, and crisp elements in each spoonful.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice just before serving to enhance overall flavors and add a vibrant, tangy brightness to the dish.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Your Chicken Bowl

• Store leftover chicken rice bowls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping ingredients separate to maintain texture.
• Allow components to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and potential soggy rice.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to consume.
• Warm in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out chicken.

What Complements Street Corn Chicken Bowls

• Craft a Citrus Margarita: Blend tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec to mirror the zesty lime notes in the street corn chicken rice bowl. The cocktail's bright, tangy profile perfectly complements the dish's rich, creamy dressing.
• Pop Open a Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the bowl's richness. The light, refreshing beer cleanses the palate between bites and enhances the corn and chicken's savory flavors.
• Whip Up a Cilantro-Lime Sparkling Water: Mix sparkling water with fresh lime juice and muddled cilantro for a non-alcoholic option. This vibrant drink echoes the bowl's herbal and citrus undertones while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve with Spicy Pickled Jalapeños: Offer quick-pickled jalapeños on the side for heat lovers. These tangy, spicy peppers add an extra layer of excitement to the dish, letting diners customize their heat level.

Ideas to Mix Up Your Chicken and Corn Bowl

• Vegan Street Corn Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure rice is certified gluten-free, swap regular mayo for gluten-free version, and verify all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, use chipotle mayo instead of regular dressing, and sprinkle extra cayenne for heat lovers.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, keep all other ingredients the same for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the original flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of cheese is used in this recipe?

Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese with a crumbly texture that adds a salty, tangy flavor to the street corn chicken rice bowl.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more chili powder to the chicken or including some diced jalapeños as a topping for extra spice.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that all other ingredients like seasonings are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white rice, opt for Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired street corn chicken rice bowl delivers a fiesta of flavors dancing across your plate. Zesty grilled chicken, charred sweet corn, and creamy cotija cheese combine into a satisfying meal that brings the spirit of Mexican street food right to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 4 cups cooked rice

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 ears corn, grilled and cut off the cob
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

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Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces with a blend of chili powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfect browning.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, stirring periodically to achieve a golden exterior and thorough internal cooking, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from heat and let rest momentarily while preparing the creamy dressing.
5. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, freshly minced garlic, and smoky paprika in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if needed for optimal flavor balance.
7. Distribute warm, fluffy rice evenly across serving bowls as a foundational layer.
8. Arrange the perfectly cooked chicken atop the rice, ensuring balanced distribution.
9. Scatter vibrant corn kernels over the chicken, adding color and texture to the dish.
10. Generously drizzle the prepared creamy dressing across each bowl, creating an appetizing pattern.
11. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro for an authentic Mexican-inspired finish.
12. Place a zesty lime wedge alongside each bowl, encouraging diners to squeeze fresh citrus just before enjoying, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity for personal spice preference.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving protein alternative when short on cooking time.
• Consider Greek yogurt as a healthier substitution for sour cream in the creamy dressing.
• Experiment with different grain bases like quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb or gluten-free variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg