EASY STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL

Imagine biting into juicy, seasoned chicken, nestled in fluffy rice, bursting with the sweet and savory flavors of grilled street corn and a creamy, tangy sauce. This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is pure comfort food with a fiesta twist. Get ready to experience a taste explosion that will become a new weeknight favorite!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

For the Street Corn:

• 4 ears of corn, shucked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your favorite)

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado, diced
• Pickled onions
• Hot sauce
• Extra Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate!

Get Started with the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Set aside.

Let’s Make that Amazing Street Corn:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) or use a grill pan on the stovetop.
2. Brush the shucked corn with olive oil.
3. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until kernels are slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
5. Cut the kernels off the cob.
6. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), Cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assembling Your Bowl of Deliciousness:

1. Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
2. Top with the grilled chicken and street corn.
3. Add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, pickled onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, extra Cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The sweetness of the corn, the savory chicken, the fluffy rice, and the creamy sauce – it all comes together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. It’s a great addition to your rotation of Chicken Recipes With Corn.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bowl

• Spice it up! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the street corn mixture.
• Meal Prep Superstar: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Cook the chicken, rice, and corn ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls. This makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week. The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fantastic choice for Meal Prep Ideas With Rice because it holds up well and tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day.
• Grilled to Perfection: Don’t skip the grilling step for the corn! It adds a smoky flavor that really elevates the dish. If you don’t have a grill, roasting the corn in the oven or using a grill pan works just as well.
• Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Black beans, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of guacamole would all be delicious additions.
• Get Ahead: The street corn mixture can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Rice Variety: While white or brown rice are classic choices, consider using cilantro-lime rice for an extra burst of flavor. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great too.
• Chicken Options: While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The Secret to Juicy Chicken

Nobody wants dry, bland chicken! Here’s my secret weapon: brine the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before cooking. Simply dissolve 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 4 cups of water. Submerge the chicken in the brine and refrigerate. This will help the chicken retain moisture and result in a more tender and flavorful final product. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure it browns properly.

Variations to Make it Your Own

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans, grilled halloumi cheese, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese alternatives to create a completely vegan Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or onions when grilling the corn for added nutrients and flavor.
• Different Protein: Switch out the chicken for shrimp, steak, or even pulled pork.

Street Corn Chicken: A Match Made in Heaven

The combination of Chicken And Street Corn is truly magical. The sweetness of the corn perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and addictive. It’s a winning combination that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Other Delicious Bowl Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of rice bowls, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• If you’re a fan of Mexican flavors, be sure to check out the Taco Rice Bowl Perfection. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and all your favorite taco toppings.
• Craving something with a little heat? The Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bowl is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that you will love.
• For another tasty street corn and chicken option, check out Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken.
• And if you’re looking for a slow-cooker option, the Burrito Bowl Magic is a must-try.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

While there are many chicken bowl recipes out there, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is truly special because of the homemade street corn. The combination of grilled corn, creamy sauce, and Cotija cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! And while you’re at it, you might also want to explore Epic Street Corn Chicken Bowl for another exciting twist.

Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken: A Great Base for Bowls

For an even easier option, consider making Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken. Shredded cilantro lime chicken is a great protein option for rice bowls and tacos. You can use it as a base and then add the street corn and other toppings as described above. The slow cooker does all the work, and you’ll have a flavorful and tender chicken that’s perfect for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts: Dig In and Enjoy!

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, this recipe has got you covered. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or oven), and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness. You won’t regret it!