Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

1. Grill the Corn

Start by grilling the corn. If you’re using fresh corn, husk it and remove the silk. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for that classic street corn flavor.

• Grill the corn: Heat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is slightly charred and tender.
• Prepare the street corn topping: Once the corn is cooked, cut the kernels off the cob. In a bowl, mix the grilled corn with cilantro, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Stir everything together until well combined. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the corn is grilling, prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.

• Grill or pan-sear the chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
• Optional: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Prepare the Rice

While the chicken and corn are cooking, make the rice. If you’re using pre-cooked rice, you can skip this step. Otherwise, cook your rice according to the package instructions.

• Make it flavorful: Once the rice is cooked, you can add a bit of butter and salt for flavor, or mix in some fresh cilantro for an extra touch of freshness.

4. Assemble the Rice Bowl

Now it’s time to put everything together. Start with a base of rice in each bowl.

• Add the grilled chicken: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the rice.
• Top with street corn: Spoon the creamy, charred street corn mixture on top of the chicken.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with more fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any additional toppings like shredded cheese or hot sauce if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is now ready to serve! The combination of smoky grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and flavorful rice makes each bite a delicious and satisfying experience. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a party or gathering.

Customizing Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations to make it your own:

• Swap the rice: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
• Add veggies: Top your bowl with sautéed peppers, onions, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give your bowl a spicy kick.
• Use different protein: While grilled chicken is a classic option, feel free to swap it out for steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Tips for the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Grilled Corn Flavor: The key to great street corn is getting that smoky char on the corn. If you don’t have a grill, you can also achieve the char by using a grill pan or broiling the corn in the oven.
• Rest the Chicken: After grilling the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
• Balance the Flavors: Make sure the dish has a balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Adjust the lime juice, cilantro, and seasoning to your liking.
• Make it a Meal Prep: This bowl makes for great meal prepping. Simply store the components (chicken, rice, corn) in separate containers, and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying, and festive dish that brings together the best of street food and home cooking. With tender grilled chicken, smoky street corn, and fluffy rice, this bowl is a one-stop meal that hits all the right notes—smoky, creamy, tangy, and a little bit spicy. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual dinner, or prepping for the week ahead.

Try this recipe today and bring a taste of the streets into your home with this simple yet impressive meal. It’s guaranteed to become a favorite!