ULTIMATE STREET CORN CHICKEN BOWL

The craving hits hard – that unmistakable blend of sweet corn, creamy sauce, and a touch of spice that makes Mexican street corn so addictive. But what if you could transform that iconic flavor into a complete, satisfying meal? This Street Corn Chicken Bowl recipe does exactly that, promising a delicious and healthy dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 4 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 4 cups)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chili powder, for garnish

For the Bowl:

• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Black beans, rinsed and drained
• Avocado, diced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Optional toppings: hot sauce, extra cilantro, lime wedges

Let’s Talk Chicken: Prepping Like a Pro

Before we dive into the deliciousness of the Street Corn Chicken Bowl itself, let’s chat about the chicken. I like to butterfly my chicken breasts – that means slicing them horizontally in half to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken every time. If you are looking for a similar meal with a Mexican twist, you could also consider Mexican Chicken. And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices! A little extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne can really kick things up a notch.

The Heart of the Bowl: Creating Authentic Street Corn

Okay, friends, this is where the magic happens. The street corn element is what *really* sets this bowl apart. Fresh corn is best, but frozen corn will work in a pinch (just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry). The key is to get a nice char on the corn kernels. You can do this in a skillet, on a grill pan, or even under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn quickly! And don’t skip the cotija cheese! Its salty, crumbly texture is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the corn. If you’re short on time or prefer a hands-off approach, you might even explore Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken.

Building Your Masterpiece: Assembling the Bowl

This is the fun part! Now that you have your perfectly cooked chicken and your crave-worthy street corn, it’s time to assemble your bowl. Start with a base of fluffy rice (I love brown rice for a little extra fiber). Add a generous scoop of black beans for protein and nutrients. Then, top with your chicken and street corn. Finally, add your favorite toppings: diced avocado for creaminess, thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up. Don’t be shy with the hot sauce if you like a little heat! I have been known to make similar rice bowls, like the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the rice according to package directions.

Cook the Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.

Make the Street Corn:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Bowls:

1. Divide rice among bowls.
2. Top with black beans, sliced or shredded chicken, and street corn.
3. Garnish with avocado, red onion, lime wedges, and chili powder.
4. Serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bowl

• Meal Prep Magic: This Street Corn Chicken Bowl is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the chicken, corn, and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your bowl and enjoy. This is a great way to ensure you have a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner ready to go.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder to suit your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the jalapeño altogether. If you like a lot of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
• Get Creative with Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Try adding roasted red peppers, pickled onions, or even a dollop of guacamole.
• Don’t Forget the Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice really brightens up the flavors of this dish.
• Alternative Sunday Dinner: Looking for something different than your usual Sunday roast? This Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a fun and flavorful alternative that’s sure to impress. It offers a vibrant spin on the usual, providing a satisfying and delicious way to end the week. Plus, it’s relatively easy to prepare, making it a great option for a relaxed Sunday evening.
• Yummy Chicken Recipes Healthy: Finding healthy chicken recipes that are also delicious can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, this bowl hits all the right notes. The combination of lean chicken, wholesome grains, and vibrant vegetables makes it a nutritional powerhouse. Plus, the delicious street corn flavor ensures you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing taste for health. This bowl is a fantastic way to incorporate more chicken into your diet while keeping things interesting and healthy.
• Healthy Meal Ideas With Chicken: This recipe is a standout among healthy meal ideas with chicken because it’s so versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own dietary needs and preferences. Use brown rice instead of white rice for extra fiber, or add more vegetables to boost the nutrient content. The key is to focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients and to control your portion sizes.
• Fast Filling Dinner: Need a quick and satisfying meal after a long day? This bowl is your answer. It’s ready in under an hour, and it’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized. Plus, it’s so flavorful that you’ll actually look forward to eating it.

Variations and Swaps: Making it Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own! If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or black beans. You could even try using quinoa instead of rice for a different texture and flavor. For a low-carb version, skip the rice altogether and load up on extra vegetables. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try grilling the corn on the cob and then cutting off the kernels? The smoky flavor will add another layer of complexity to the dish. You may also find inspiration in the Street Corn Pasta, or Street Corn Chicken for other fun ways to enjoy this flavor!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and street corn separately before assembling your bowl. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and corn for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating.

Ready to ditch the boring dinners and embrace a flavor explosion? Grab your ingredients and let’s make some Street Corn Chicken Bowls! You won’t regret it!