The aroma of grilled corn wafting through the air is like an invitation from summer itself. Now imagine that sweet, smoky goodness tangled up with juicy chicken and fluffy rice—it’s a fiesta on your plate! The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha.
Picture this: you’re at a lively street fair. Children are laughing, vendors are calling out their wares, and that delicious scent of roasted corn fills the air. You grab a cup of buttery elote topped with lime and chili powder. Fast forward to your kitchen—this recipe brings all those memories rushing back while delivering an incredible kick that makes weeknight dinners feel special!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This vibrant dish comes together quickly for busy weeknights while featuring bold flavors that impress everyone at the table
- You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers for added convenience
- Its colorful presentation will steal the show at any gathering or potluck, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate
- Perfect for meal prep or serving guests!
Last summer, I whipped up this dish for a family barbecue. Everyone raved about it from my picky cousin to my grandma who has a knack for critiquing every meal!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts depending on how many you’re feeding; they cook beautifully and soak in flavor.
- Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn on the cob if possible; it’s juicy and adds that authentic street corn vibe.
- Rice: Opt for white or brown rice; both provide a great base but bring different textures.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors; don’t skimp on this!
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives that herbaceous zing; you can adjust based on preference.
- Chili Powder: This spice adds warmth and depth; use more or less according to your heat tolerance.
- Mayonnaise: A dollop transforms ordinary corn into creamy street corn magic—trust me!
- Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija offers salty richness; you can substitute feta if needed.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning brings all these wonderful ingredients together perfectly!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cooking should be fun! Let’s dive right into creating this scrumptious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl together.
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse and chop fresh veggies while you wait for your rice to cook. This keeps everything organized and speeds up cooking time.
Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil before adding rice and a pinch of salt. Lower heat, cover it tightly, and let it simmer until tender—about 15 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before placing them in the hot skillet. Cook until golden brown—around 6-7 minutes per side.
Prepare the Corn: While chicken cooks, grill or boil fresh corn until tender—about 5-7 minutes works wonders! Let cool slightly before cutting kernels off the cob; they should burst with sweetness!
Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice with diced chicken and freshly cut corn kernels. Drizzle lime juice over everything along with mayo while sprinkling chili powder generously—mix well!
Toppings Galore: Top your colorful creation with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for that extra flair! Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting—the aroma will be irresistible!
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is not just another meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite as summer dances on your taste buds!
You Must Know
- The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors that transports you to a sunny street festival
- The creamy avocado and zesty lime elevate every bite, making it a perfect dish for any occasion
- It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken while preparing rice and roasting corn for maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu and add your favorite veggies for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to keep textures intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose fresh corn for grilling to enhance sweetness; char it well for that smoky flavor
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption, ensuring it’s juicy and tender
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasonings for your perfect bowl experience
My friend once told me this dish reminded her of summer fairs, bringing back memories of laughter and good times spent around food trucks with friends.
FAQ
What can I serve with the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Consider pairing it with a light salad or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled veggies or beans for a hearty option.
How can I make my corn sweeter?
Choose fresh, seasonal corn and grill until slightly charred for enhanced sweetness.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, featuring juicy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty toppings for a delightful meal that’s quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh corn on the cob
- White or brown rice
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Chili powder
- Mayonnaise
- Cotija cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Grill the Corn: Cook fresh corn by grilling or boiling until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool before cutting off the kernels.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, diced chicken, and corn. Drizzle with lime juice and mayonnaise; sprinkle chili powder. Mix well.
- Serve: Top with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand. - Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variations. - Use leftover veggies for extra crunch in the bowl.
