Have you ever tried a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? This amazing dish brings together the flavors of Mexican street corn with juicy chicken and fluffy rice to create a meal that’s both filling and super tasty. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with colorful veggies and protein that will keep you satisfied. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
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What Makes Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls So Special?
Street corn, also known as “elote,” is a popular Mexican street food that combines grilled corn with creamy sauce, cheese, and spices. When you add this to a bowl with chicken and rice, you get an amazing meal that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? You can customize it to your liking!
If you love hearty and comforting meals, you might also enjoy this Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe, which is another delicious way to enjoy chicken and rice with rich flavors.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together sweet corn, savory chicken, and fluffy rice. Then, it’s topped with a creamy sauce that makes every bite delicious. Plus, the mix of textures – from the crunchy corn to the tender chicken – makes this dish exciting to eat.
For another satisfying dish, check out this Chicken and Gravy Recipe, which pairs tender chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy.
A Nutritious and Balanced Meal
This bowl isn’t just tasty – it’s also good for you! You get protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and vitamins from the corn and other veggies. As a result, it’s a complete meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Looking for a lighter, refreshing option? You might love this Caesar Pasta Salad, which is packed with fresh ingredients and delicious dressing.
Ingredients for Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
How to Make the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Making a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
Preparing the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a little chili powder
- Cook in a pan until golden and cooked through
Creating the Street Corn Mixture
- In the same pan, cook corn until slightly charred
- Mix in diced bell pepper and onion
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until veggies are slightly soft
Assembling Your Bowl
- Place rice at the bottom of each bowl
- Add chicken and corn mixture on top
- Drizzle with the creamy sauce
- Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro
Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Want to make sure your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl turns out perfect every time? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Getting the Right Texture
When cooking the corn, don’t be afraid to let it char a little bit. This adds a smoky flavor that makes the dish taste like authentic street corn. Additionally, for the rice, try cooking it with chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Options
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the chicken, corn mixture, and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just heat everything up and add the fresh toppings. As a result, you can enjoy this delicious meal any day of the week without much hassle.
Serving Suggestions
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl tastes great on its own, but you can also serve it with tortilla chips on the side for some crunch. Furthermore, a cold Mexican beer or a glass of limeade goes perfectly with this meal!
Variations of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
One of the best things about the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is how flexible it is. Here are some ways you can change it up:
Spicy Version
If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños to your corn mixture and mix some hot sauce into the creamy sauce. Consequently, you’ll get a kick with every bite!
Grilled Option
Instead of cooking the chicken and corn in a pan, try grilling them! First, grill the corn on the cob until charred, then cut off the kernels. Next, grill the chicken until cooked through. This gives everything a wonderful smoky flavor that’s perfect for summer.
Breakfast Bowl
Believe it or not, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl makes a great breakfast! Simply add a fried egg on top and enjoy a protein-packed morning meal that will keep you full until lunch.
Seafood Twist
Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can substitute it with grilled shrimp or fish for a seafood version of this delicious bowl.
Health Benefits of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just delicious – it’s also good for you in many ways!
Protein-Packed Goodness
Thanks to the chicken, this bowl is high in protein, which helps build muscles and keeps you feeling full longer. Therefore, it’s a great option for a post-workout meal.
Fiber and Nutrients
Corn is full of fiber, which is good for digestion. Moreover, the colorful vegetables add vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy.
Balanced Energy
The combination of protein from the chicken and carbs from the rice and corn gives you balanced energy that lasts for hours. Consequently, this makes the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?
Yes! While white rice is commonly used, you can absolutely substitute brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for a different texture and nutritional profile. Brown rice will add more fiber, while cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the type of rice you choose.
How long does the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in airtight containers, your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, store the sauce separately and add it just before eating. This way, the rice and vegetables won’t get soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, simply replace the chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or tofu. These alternatives provide protein while keeping the dish meat-free. You might also want to add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 avocado sliced
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Toppings
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
- chopped cilantro for garnish
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the same pan, cook the corn kernels until slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper and red onion to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder to create the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the bowls by placing cooked rice at the bottom.
- Top with the cooked chicken and corn mixture.
- Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with crumbled cotija (or feta) cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and sliced avocado.
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a versatile, delicious meal that brings together the best flavors of Mexican street food with hearty rice and protein. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!