Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that satisfies the whole family? This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a high-protein dish inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn. Packed with tender chicken, creamy corn, and zesty spices, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a simple yet healthy dinner for two. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy recipe that’s perfect for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
What is a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious fusion dish inspired by Mexican street corn, also known as “elote.” It combines grilled or sautéed chicken, seasoned rice, and toppings like roasted corn, avocado, cheese, and fresh herbs. This dish is packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors and need a convenient, nutritious option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for Street Corn Rice Bowl
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious bowl:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 medium-sized, boneless, and skinless
- Rice: 1 cup of cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- Corn Kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking
- Red Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lime Juice: Juice of 1 lime for a zesty kick
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon for a warm, earthy flavor
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup as a creamy topping (or use sour cream)
- Cotija Cheese or Feta: 1/4 cup for a salty, tangy touch
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Avocado: 1, sliced for creaminess
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe efficiently, gather the following kitchen equipment:
- Cutting Board and Knife – for chopping vegetables and chicken
- Large Skillet or Grill Pan – for cooking chicken and corn
- Mixing Bowls – for combining ingredients and toppings
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – to ensure accurate measurements
- Tongs or a Spatula – for flipping and handling the chicken
- Serving Bowls – for plating the final dish
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:
- Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep it warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Corn: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the corn and red onion until lightly charred and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed corn, and onion mixture. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and toss to mix.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice mixture into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, avocado, Greek yogurt, and crumbled Cotija or feta cheese. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful meal!
Tips for Cooking Chicken Perfectly
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to ensure it browns nicely without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and make slicing easier.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of searing.
- Skipping the Lime Juice: Lime juice adds brightness to the dish. Don’t skip it, as it enhances the flavor of the bowl.
Serving Suggestions
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Taco Style: Wrap the ingredients in tortillas for a handheld meal.
- Burrito Bowl: Add beans, salsa, or hot sauce for a burrito bowl experience.
- Salad Bowl: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead: Cook the chicken, rice, and corn ahead of time and assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
Variations and Swaps
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for black beans or grilled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly bowl.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
FAQ About Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Can I make this bowl ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
- What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? Sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative works well.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free ingredients.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, healthy, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying texture, it’s a dish that the whole family will love. Give this easy recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious and healthy recipes like this one! 😊
PrintDelicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with protein, bold flavors, and vibrant colors. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn and combines seasoned chicken, rice, and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese or feta (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Rice:
Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep warm.
2️⃣ Season and Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
3️⃣ Prepare the Corn Mixture:
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the corn and red onion, sautéing until lightly charred and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed corn, and onion mixture. Add the juice of 1 lime and toss to combine.
5️⃣ Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the rice mixture into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, avocado, Greek yogurt, and crumbled Cotija or feta cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful meal!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with black beans or grilled tofu.
- To add extra spice, include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.