Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors that transports you straight to a summer carnival in Mexico. Imagine juicy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty lime dancing together in a colorful bowl, teasing your taste buds with every bite. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste before it even hits the table.
This recipe has been my go-to for family gatherings, where everyone eagerly digs in, and laughter fills the air. Itβs the perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta with friends. With vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, you will surely leave everyone asking for secondsβand maybe thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight meal
- You can easily customize it based on personal preferences or dietary needs
- The bright colors and fresh ingredients create an eye-catching dish that looks as good as it tastes
- Enjoy this versatile bowl for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week!
I remember the first time I served this dish at a family barbecue. My cousin took one bite and proclaimed it βthe best thing since sliced bread.β I might have blushed while secretly thinking about how easy it was to make.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and easy to cook, these are perfect for grilling or baking.
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Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn for that authentic street corn flavor; frozen kernels work too if fresh is unavailable.
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White Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for fluffy texture; brown rice adds more nutrients but takes longer to cook.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the flavors and adds that zesty kick every bowl needs.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbaceous note; feel free to omit if youβre not a fan of its unique flavor.
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Mexican Crema or Sour Cream: This creamy element ties all the flavors together beautifully; use full-fat for richness.
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Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder gives your chicken a tasty smoky heat without overwhelming spiciness.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in this delightful bowl.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make It Together
Gather your ingredients and letβs dive into creating this vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain your rice until the water runs clear. Gather all other ingredients so youβre ready to roll.
Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, combine your rinsed rice with double the amount of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover until tenderβabout 15-20 minutes.
SautΓ© the Chicken: While your rice cooks, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until golden brown and no longer pinkβabout 5-7 minutes.
Add Sweet Corn: Once your chicken is cooked through, toss in sweet corn kernels into the skillet. Cook them together until heated through and slightly caramelizedβthis should take around 3-4 minutes.
Mix It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice with chicken and corn mixture. Squeeze lime juice over everything while adding chopped cilantro for freshnessβtoss gently until combined.
Serve Up Your Bowls: Spoon generous portions into serving bowls. Top each with Mexican crema or sour cream for extra creaminess. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired!
And there you have itβa deliciously satisfying Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ready for you to enjoy!
You Must Know
- This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it a delightful meal
- The creamy sauce and smoky corn create a symphony of taste that will make your dinner table sing
- Easy to prepare, itβs perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken with spices while you grill the corn and prepare the rice. This sequence ensures everything is ready simultaneously for a fresh, hot meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu, and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The marinade should sit on your chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor depth
- Use fresh corn when possible; frozen also works but lacks some crunch
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning makes all the difference!
Making this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl always reminds me of my friendβs summer cookout last year. Everyone went wild over my version, asking for seconds and thirds!
FAQ
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
What toppings work best for street corn chicken rice bowls?
Try crumbled feta cheese, cilantro, or lime wedges to enhance flavor and freshness.
How can I make this meal spicier?
Add diced jalapeΓ±os or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat in your bowl.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant tastes of Mexico with this delightful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Juicy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty lime come together in a colorful dish thatβs perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. Easy to customize and bursting with flavor, this bowl is sure to become a favorite at your table, leaving everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain rice until water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder; cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add corn to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked rice with chicken and corn mixture. Squeeze lime juice over the top and add chopped cilantro; toss gently to combine.
- Serve in bowls topped with Mexican crema or sour cream, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Swap chicken for grilled tofu or shrimp for different protein options. Customize by adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers or avocado.