Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s packed with color, crunch, and a little bit of spice, then this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your new go-to meal. Inspired by the beloved Mexican street corn (Elote), this bowl combines juicy, grilled chicken, smoky charred corn, and tangy, creamy toppings, all sitting on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and refreshing, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for dinner!

The best part? It’s customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or even a casual gathering, this bowl is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Flavor-packed: Every bite delivers a delightful mix of smoky, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth!

Easy to make: From the juicy grilled chicken to the creamy corn, this meal comes together with ease. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Fresh and satisfying: With all the fresh veggies, tender chicken, and flavorful rice, this bowl is filling yet light, making it a perfect balanced meal.

Customizable: Want to kick up the heat? Add more jalapeños. Need something milder? Skip the spice and go for extra avocado. This dish is made for tweaking.

Healthy-ish: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the corn, avocado, and chicken, you’re getting plenty of nutrition while enjoying a delicious meal.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty bowl:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 2 ears of corn (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

For the Rice and Toppings:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (you can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a twist)
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for some heat)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this deliciousness? Here’s how to make it:

1. Grill the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season both sides with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until it’s fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Once done, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it thinly against the grain.

2. Make the Street Corn:

• If using fresh corn, grill the ears directly on the grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred on all sides. If you’re using frozen corn, you can sauté it in a skillet with butter for a few minutes until it’s heated through and has a slight char.
• Once the corn is cooked, cut the kernels off the cob (if using fresh) and add them to a mixing bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rice Bowl:

• Start with a base of cooked rice (white, brown, or even quinoa for a healthier option). Spoon the rice into bowls as the foundation for all the delicious toppings.
• Layer on the street corn mixture, followed by the sliced grilled chicken. Add sliced avocado, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Drizzle with lime juice and top with fresh cilantro.

4. Add Final Touches:

• Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the bowl for an extra punch of freshness.
• For some heat, top with a little hot sauce or extra chili powder.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl immediately, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 475
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 330mg
Carbohydrates: 36g

• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
  Protein: 28g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 30%
  Calcium: 10%
  Iron: 12%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This rice bowl is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can always pair it with some delicious sides to round out your dinner:

A Simple Salad: Pair it with a refreshing green salad or a slaw to add a crisp contrast to the creamy corn and tender chicken.

Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up any extra street corn or rice that doesn’t quite fit in the bowl.

Grilled Veggies: If you’re craving more veggies, grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would complement this dish beautifully.

Refreshing Drinks: Serve with a cold beverage like sparkling water or a tangy margarita for that extra pop of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the top.
• Make Ahead: The chicken and street corn can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Keep the components in separate containers, and you can quickly assemble bowls for the week ahead.
• Grill Alternatives: Don’t have a grill? You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and juicy, so feel free to swap them out if that’s what you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can easily swap the chicken for grilled veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even tofu for a plant-based version.

Q3: Can I use frozen corn?
A3: Yes, frozen corn works perfectly fine for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw it and sauté it for that crispy, charred texture.

Q4: How can I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover chicken, rice, or street corn in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Q5: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A5: This dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that the rice and any other condiments or toppings you use are gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make this dish spicy?
A6: Yes! You can add more jalapeños, chili powder, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat.

Q7: Can I make the rice in advance?
A7: Yes! You can cook the rice in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up when you’re ready to assemble your bowls.

Q8: Can I use a different cheese for the street corn?
A8: Yes, you can substitute cotija cheese with feta or even parmesan if that’s what you have on hand.

Q9: Is there a way to make this dish lower in calories?
A9: To make it lower in calories, you can skip the mayonnaise in the street corn and opt for a lighter dressing or use less cheese.

Q10: How can I make this dish sweeter?
A10: If you want a hint of sweetness, you can add a little honey to the street corn mixture or top the bowl with some sweet roasted peppers.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try! With juicy grilled chicken, smoky street corn, and all those fresh toppings, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a solo meal, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. So, grab your ingredients, and enjoy this flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

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