Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: A Zesty Dinner Triumph

Crafting a vibrant street corn chicken rice bowl sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Each bite promises a festival of flavors waiting to unfold.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this colorful, satisfying meal.

Peppers and lime add zesty brightness to the hearty base.

Creamy textures and bold spices create a perfect balance.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable spoonful of this irresistible bowl.

FAQs

  • What makes this chicken rice bowl unique?

The street corn-inspired sauce brings a tangy, creamy Mexican-style flavor that transforms a simple chicken rice bowl into an exciting, zesty meal.

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just ensure you drain it well and add it to the skillet at the same temperature as the other ingredients.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from chili powder, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

  • What protein alternatives can I use?

You can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, diced steak, or tofu for a different protein option while maintaining the same delicious street corn flavor profile.

Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: Full of Flavor

  • Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Combining creamy sauce, zesty lime, spicy chili powder, and fresh corn creates a taste experience that elevates classic chicken and rice to gourmet-level deliciousness.
  • Minimal cooking equipment and straightforward steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, ideal for home cooks wanting maximum taste with minimal kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Diced chicken provides the primary protein source for this hearty bowl.
Corn and Vegetable Base:
  • Corn, Red Onion: Fresh corn and red onion add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the tangy sauce that brings richness to the bowl.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
  • Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provides warm spice and essential seasoning.
Additional Components:
  • Rice: Serves as the foundational grain for the bowl.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and creating a golden sear.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing and adding a vibrant, herbal note.

How to Cook Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Golden

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced chicken and cook until edges turn crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions and Corn

Add chopped red onion to the chicken, sautéing until the onions become soft and slightly translucent.

Stir in fresh corn kernels and continue cooking for another minute.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well blended, creating a tangy street corn-style sauce.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Bowls

Layer cooked white or brown rice in serving bowls.

Top generously with the sizzling chicken, corn, and onion mixture.

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Pour the creamy sauce over the rice bowl, ensuring an even coating.

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while the chicken and corn are still warm, allowing the sauce to mingle with the rice and create a delightful flavor explosion.

Pro Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Choose chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
  • Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels interchangeably without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Adjust sour cream and mayonnaise ratio to create thicker or thinner drizzling sauce based on preference.
  • Sprinkle extra chili powder or add diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick in their rice bowl.
  • Prepare chicken mixture and sauce separately, storing in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

Storage and Reheating for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate sauce and chicken-corn mixture to maintain freshness and prevent soggy rice.
  • Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying and restore moisture.
  • Gently reheat chicken-corn mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Warm rice separately to maintain texture and prevent clumping.
  • Freeze components separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating and reassembling the bowl.

Perfect Pairings for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Pair Zesty Mexican-Inspired Sidekicks: Crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the dish's rich flavors perfectly.
  • Create Tangy Beverage Companion: Fresh lime margarita with a salted rim complements the corn and chicken's southwestern profile, enhancing every bite.
  • Boost Flavor Harmony: Refreshing cucumber-jalapeño agua fresca provides a cool, spicy counterpoint to the warm rice bowl, adding vibrant complexity.
  • Elevate Dining Experience: Crisp green salad with avocado and citrus vinaigrette offers a light, fresh contrast to the bowl's hearty components.

Flavorful Variations on Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Vegetarian Corn Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or black beans, maintaining the same spicy cream sauce and corn medley for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Mexican Style: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, swap regular mayo for avocado-based mayo, ensuring all ingredients remain gluten-free while keeping the original flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture, incorporate roasted red peppers, and sprinkle queso fresco on top for an extra zesty southwestern kick.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Eliminate rice completely, serve the corn-chicken mixture inside large butter lettuce leaves, creating a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal option with the same delicious street corn sauce.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican street corn chicken rice bowl blends zesty flavors from grilled corn, tender chicken, and creamy sauce. Hearty comfort meets spicy street food inspiration, inviting you to savor each bold, satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Fresh Produce:

  • 2 ears fresh sweet corn
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken into uniform cubes and drain corn kernels, ensuring ingredients are prepped and ready.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, sautéing chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  3. Introduce finely chopped red onion to the skillet, cooking until the pieces become translucent and fragrant, then incorporate fresh corn kernels.
  4. Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Create a foundation in serving bowls with fluffy cooked rice, then generously layer the sizzling chicken and corn mixture on top.
  6. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro leaves over the completed rice bowl.

Notes

  • Corn Selection Matters: Opt for fresh sweet corn during summer months for maximum flavor, but canned corn works perfectly fine as a convenient alternative.
  • Spice Flexibility: Adjust chili powder quantity based on heat preference, creating a milder or more intense flavor profile.
  • Protein Swap: Easily replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans for vegetarian and diverse dietary options.
  • Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, creamy texture that coats ingredients evenly without clumping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star