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Instructions: How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Street Corn
- Cook the corn: If you’re using fresh corn, remove the husks and grill or char the corn on a grill or stovetop griddle until it’s lightly charred and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). If using frozen corn, heat it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy. Both methods will give your corn a delicious, smoky flavor.
- Season the corn: In a bowl, toss the cooked corn with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then add mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), and lime juice. Mix everything until the corn is fully coated.
- Add cheese and cilantro: Fold in cotija cheese (or feta) and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. Set the street corn aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain for tender, juicy strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Lime Dressing
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Prepare the rice: If you haven’t already cooked the rice, do so now. You can use white rice, brown rice, or any rice blend of your choice. Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for extra flavor, if desired.
- Layer the bowls: Start by adding a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top the rice with sliced chicken, followed by the seasoned street corn. Drizzle the lime dressing over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional cotija cheese or cilantro over the top for extra flavor, and add a wedge of lime on the side for those who want a bit more tang.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the bowls immediately while the rice and chicken are still warm, and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite!
Tips for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
- Grill or char the corn: Grilling the corn (or even using a grill pan) adds a smoky, slightly crispy texture that elevates the flavor. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a stovetop grill pan to achieve the same result.
- Customize the heat: If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the street corn or lime dressing. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken to give it an extra kick.
- Use any rice you like: This recipe works with a variety of rice types. If you prefer brown rice for extra fiber or cilantro-lime rice for extra flavor, feel free to swap it in.
- Add veggies: To make this dish even heartier, add some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the rice bowls. They’ll bring extra texture and flavor while still keeping the meal light and healthy.
- Meal prep-friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Simply cook extra chicken, corn, and rice, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat everything and assemble the bowls with the lime dressing for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an irresistible blend of bold flavors, creamy textures, and fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. The charred corn adds a smoky, slightly sweet note, while the chicken is perfectly seasoned and juicy. The rice provides a comforting base, and the lime dressing brings it all together with its tangy and creamy richness.
What truly makes this dish shine, however, is its customizability. You can easily adjust the level of heat, the ingredients, and the toppings to suit your tastes. Whether you like it mild or spicy, or want to throw in some extra veggies, this recipe adapts to whatever you’re craving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something flavorful, filling, and fun to make, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the answer. With its perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and zesty flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies the whole family and works equally well for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends.
So grab your street corn, season that chicken, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance!
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