Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl takes all the bold, savory goodness of street corn and marries it with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a tangy sauce that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that’s hearty enough for dinner but fresh enough for a warm-weather lunch. The combination of grilled chicken, creamy corn, and zesty lime dressing makes this bowl a total winner, no matter the occasion. Trust me—this one’s about to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of spice!

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience! Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Fresh & Flavorful: The smoky, sweet corn paired with the juicy chicken and fluffy rice is a mouthwatering combination. The creamy dressing just ties it all together in the best possible way.
• Customizable: Love extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want to make it dairy-free? Swap out the crema for a coconut-based sauce. It’s a bowl you can really make your own.
• Quick & Easy: The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super simple, but it looks (and tastes) like something you’d get at a trendy food truck. Perfect for a weekday dinner or weekend gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone will love the flavors in this bowl. It’s a guaranteed hit at barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
• Satisfying & Hearty: This dish is filling, but it doesn’t feel heavy. The rice makes it comforting, while the fresh corn and zesty dressing keep it light.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for this delicious bowl. Each component brings its own flavor to the table, making every bite a new taste sensation.

Chicken Breasts

The juicy, grilled chicken is the heart of the bowl. It’s seasoned with spices that complement the smoky sweetness of the corn perfectly.

Corn

Street corn wouldn’t be street corn without the corn! Grilled to bring out its natural sweetness and smokiness, it’s the star of the show.

Rice

Fluffy white rice forms the base of the bowl, providing a hearty foundation that soaks up all those amazing flavors.

Lime

Fresh lime juice adds that much-needed zesty kick that brings everything to life. The lime makes the dish feel refreshing and tangy.

Cotija Cheese

This crumbly, salty cheese is a must for that classic street corn taste. It adds a deliciously creamy texture and savory flavor.

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream

A creamy, slightly tangy dressing made with mayo and sour cream ties the whole bowl together. It’s the perfect topping for your chicken and corn.

Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika

These two spices bring the smoky, slightly spicy depth to the chicken and corn, giving the dish that authentic street food feel.

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

Instructions

Here’s how to put everything together and create the perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:

1. Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice. Follow the package instructions to make it fluffy and tender. Once it’s done, set it aside and keep it warm.

2. Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

3. Grill the Corn

While the chicken is grilling, husk the corn and brush it lightly with olive oil. Grill the corn on medium heat, turning every few minutes, for about 10 minutes, until it’s nicely charred and cooked through. Once grilled, slice the corn off the cob.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. This creamy dressing is what makes the bowl feel indulgent and tangy all at once.

5. Assemble the Bowl

In each serving bowl, start by placing a scoop of rice as the base. Layer on the grilled chicken slices, followed by the grilled corn. Drizzle the creamy lime dressing over the top and sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese.

6. Garnish & Serve

Garnish the bowl with extra lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 bowls
• Calories per serving: 450
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 10%
• Vitamin C: 20%
• Calcium: 8%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This dish is super versatile and can be paired with different sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would balance the richness of the bowl.
• With Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast to the creamy chicken and corn.
• Fresh Guacamole: A side of guacamole would be perfect for dipping, or you can add a scoop on top for even more flavor.
• Pickled Red Onions: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with pickled red onions. They’ll add a tangy crunch that complements the other ingredients.

Additional Tips

• Grill Marks Matter: For that perfect smoky flavor, be sure to get a good char on the corn and chicken. The grill marks are what give it that authentic street food flavor.
• Customize Your Heat: If you like it spicy, add some jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your bowl. You can control the heat level based on your preference.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and use grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms instead.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the components in advance—grill the chicken and corn the day before, and just reheat when you’re ready to assemble the bowls.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen corn?
A1: While fresh corn is ideal for grilling, frozen corn will work in a pinch. Just sauté it in a hot pan with a little oil to get it crispy and caramelized.

Q2: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A2: Absolutely! Brown rice will add more fiber and a nuttier flavor to the dish, but it will take longer to cook, so be sure to account for that.

Q3: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can make the creamy dressing up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The rice, chicken, and corn will keep for 2-3 days, while the dressing should last up to 4 days.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Yes, if you can’t find cotija, feta or parmesan are great alternatives. They’ll provide a similar salty, tangy flavor.

Q6: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A6: Definitely! Use a dairy-free mayo and swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt.

Q7: How do I make this spicier?
A7: You can add some diced jalapeños to the corn or drizzle hot sauce over the top. Adjust the heat level based on your preference.

Q8: Can I prep the chicken in advance?
A8: Yes, you can season and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and grill it when you’re ready to make the bowls.

Q9: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayo and check that your seasonings are gluten-free.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and corn separately for up to 3 months. Reheat them and then assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you could want in a meal—fresh, flavorful, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a fun weekend dish to share with friends, this bowl hits the spot. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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