Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe – Fiesta In A Dish!

Summers buzz with excitement when classic street corn meets tender chicken in this mouthwatering street corn chicken rice bowl.

Kernels of sweet corn dance with perfectly seasoned rice, creating a flavor explosion that captures the essence of street food.

Grilled chicken adds a hearty protein punch to this colorful dish.

Zesty spices and fresh herbs bring depth and complexity to every single bite.

The combination of textures and flavors makes this bowl a true celebration of simple yet bold cuisine.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through Mexican-inspired street food traditions.

You’ll want to savor every moment of this delectable culinary adventure.

Saving and Storing Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Components

• Store assembled bowl components separately in airtight containers. Chicken and corn mixture can stay fresh for 3-4 days, while rice maintains quality for 2-3 days. Separate storage prevents soggy textures and preserves individual ingredient freshness.
• Warm chicken and rice separately in microwave or skillet to maintain optimal texture. Add fresh avocado and cilantro after reheating to keep ingredients vibrant and crisp.
• Cooked chicken and corn mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in sealed freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Keep wet ingredients like street corn mixture and avocado separate from rice and chicken until serving time. This technique prevents mushiness and maintains ideal meal consistency.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can easily replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or steak to match your preference and dietary needs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level from chili powder and smoked paprika. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these spices according to your taste.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dish?

No special equipment is required. A regular grill pan or outdoor grill works perfectly for cooking chicken and corn. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a skillet or broiler.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, choose brown rice over white rice, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent protein base that absorbs spices beautifully, choose fresh, organic cuts for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein boost that adds creamy texture and earthy richness, select low-sodium canned beans for convenience.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps spices adhere to chicken, opt for extra virgin for deeper taste.
• Chili Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Vibrant spice blend creating layers of warmth and complexity, choose high-quality, fresh ground spices.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents balancing overall taste profile, select sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth to corn, look for authentic Spanish varieties for intense flavor.

• Corn: Sweet summer staple bringing charred sweetness, pick fresh local corn for best results.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binder for street corn mixture, use full-fat version for richest texture.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese adding tangy saltiness, seek authentic brand for genuine taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb providing fresh herbal notes, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lime: Zesty citrus cutting through rich ingredients, select firm, heavy limes with vibrant color.
• Avocado: Buttery, smooth element adding luxurious creaminess, choose ripe but firm fruit.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable delivering sudden pungent bite, select firm bulbs without soft spots.

Cooking Tools to Assemble a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking chicken and corn with perfect char marks.
• Small Bowl: Needed for mixing spices and preparing the marinade.
• Large Bowl: Used for assembling rice and final dish mixing.
• Mixing Bowl: Required for combining street corn ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for slicing chicken, corn, avocado, and onion.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting ingredients precisely.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning corn and chicken on the grill.
• Measuring Spoons: Used for accurate spice measurements.
• Lime Squeezer (optional): Makes extracting lime juice easier.

How to Make a Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Fire Up the Flavor

Ignite your grill or heat a stovetop grill pan to sizzling hot. Massage chicken with a zesty blend of spices, coating every inch for maximum taste explosion.

• Char the Corn

Brush corn with melted butter and sprinkle with smoky seasoning. Grill until kernels are beautifully blackened and bursting with sweetness, rotating to ensure even charring.

• Create Street Corn

Slice grilled corn kernels into a vibrant bowl. Stir in creamy mayo, crumbly cheese, and fresh cilantro. Splash with tangy lime juice for a burst of brightness.

• Assemble Your Culinary Masterpiece

Layer fluffy rice as your foundation. Splash with citrusy lime juice and mix in hearty black beans. Crown with spice-rubbed chicken strips, street corn blend, creamy avocado slices, and crisp red onion. Shower with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a final flavor punch.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Tips and Swaps

• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans to create vegetarian or alternative protein options for diverse dietary needs.
• Adjust chili powder and paprika amounts to customize heat intensity, making the dish mild or extra zesty based on personal preference.
• Use certified gluten-free rice and verify all ingredient labels to transform this recipe into a completely gluten-free meal perfect for sensitive diets.
• Prepare grilled chicken, corn, and rice components separately in advance, storing them in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
• Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains delicious flavor profile and nutritional balance.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Perfectly

• Mexican Fiesta Feast: Pair your street corn chicken rice bowl with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch and texture.
• Zesty Drink Companion: Serve alongside a refreshing margarita or Mexican-style agua fresca to complement the bold flavors of the dish.
• Family-Style Share: Create a build-your-own rice bowl station where everyone can customize their meal with extra toppings like salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce.
• Quick Lunch Hack: Pack the components separately in meal prep containers for an easy, portable lunch that stays fresh and delicious throughout the day.

Vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl blends zesty grilled corn, tender chicken, and creamy sauce into a delightful meal. Spicy, tangy flavors invite you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced jalapenos
• Extra cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Chicken Grilling: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, then cook chicken breasts 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165F (75C), achieving a perfectly juicy and caramelized exterior.
3. Corn Roasting: Brush corn with melted butter and smoked paprika, then char on grill for 10 minutes, rotating periodically to develop a golden-brown caramelized texture before slicing kernels off the cob.
4. Street Corn Mixture: Combine grilled corn kernels with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and cilantro, brightening the blend with a vibrant lime juice squeeze to integrate complex flavors.
5. Rice Base Preparation: Infuse rice with lime juice and black beans, creating a zesty and protein-rich foundation for the bowl.
6. Bowl Assembly: Layer rice base, arrange sliced chicken, generously top with street corn mixture, and garnish with creamy avocado slices, thinly sliced red onion, and additional cilantro.
7. Serving: Plate with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to customize their culinary experience with an extra citrus punch.

Notes

Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is completely coated in marinade, massaging spices into meat for deep flavor penetration and even seasoning.

Check Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken and ensuring food safety without drying out protein.

Corn Charring Technique: Rotate corn frequently during grilling to achieve uniform caramelization, creating smoky flavor without burning kernels and maintaining perfect texture.

Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe by substituting mayo with Greek yogurt for lower-fat version, using cauliflower rice for low-carb option, or selecting gluten-free ingredients for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg