Streetwise Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Sizzling Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe to Wow Your Taste Buds

Creamy street corn chicken rice bowls burst with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle perfectly with tender spiced chicken and fluffy rice.

Summer’s freshest ingredients come together in one delightful meal that satisfies every craving.

Zesty lime and cilantro add bright notes to this colorful dish.

Chili powder and cotija cheese create a bold, tangy profile that makes each bite unforgettable.

Regional spices transport you straight to a bustling Mexican marketplace with minimal effort.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Is A Flavor-Packed Favorite

  • Craft a Flavor Explosion: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, mouth-watering meal bursting with layers of seasoned chicken, grilled corn, and zesty toppings.
  • Master Versatile Cooking Techniques: Learn how to perfectly grill chicken, char corn, and create a creamy sauce that elevates the entire dish with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Build a personalized bowl by mixing and matching ingredients, making it ideal for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with different flavor combinations.
  • Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Combine protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded black beans, and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.

Everything You Need For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

For the Base:
  • White Rice: A fluffy foundation that provides a soft and neutral backdrop for the vibrant ingredients.
For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Tender meat strips seasoned with warm and bold spices to create a flavorful main component.
For the Vegetables and Beans:
  • Corn, Red Bell Pepper, Green Onions, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and natural sweetness to the bowl.
  • Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes that contribute a hearty texture and earthy flavor.
For the Seasoning and Spices:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile with warmth and depth.
For the Cheese and Herbs:
  • Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that provides a salty and tangy finish.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
For the Sauce:
  • Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Hot Sauce: Creamy ingredients that create a zesty and rich drizzle.
For the Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and adding a subtle richness.
  • Lime: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to the entire bowl.

Step-By-Step Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Guide

Step 1: Cook Fluffy Rice

Prepare white rice following package instructions to achieve perfectly separated and light grains.

Step 2: Season Chicken Strips

Slice chicken breasts into even strips, then generously coat with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until it turns golden brown and reaches 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Step 4: Char Corn to Caramelized Goodness

Grill corn ears, rotating frequently to develop a slightly charred and caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Veggie Toppings

Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces:
  • Red bell pepper
  • Green onions
  • Cherry tomatoes

Step 6: Whip Up Zesty Cream Sauce

Create a creamy drizzle by whisking together:
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Hot sauce

Step 7: Remove Corn Kernels

Use a sharp knife to slice kernels off the cob, letting them fall into a preparation bowl.

Step 8: Warm Black Beans

Drain and rinse black beans, then quickly heat them in the same skillet used for chicken.

Step 9: Build Your Epic Bowl

Layer ingredients in this order:
  • Rice base
  • Grilled chicken
  • Charred corn kernels
  • Black beans
  • Diced vegetables

Step 10: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle and garnish with:
  • Crumbled cotija cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime juice squeeze

Step 11: Drench in Creamy Goodness

Generously drizzle the zesty cream sauce over the entire bowl, ensuring every ingredient gets coated.

Best Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Success

  • Choose Perfect Rice: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won't clump together.
  • Master Chicken Seasoning: Generously coat chicken strips with spices, letting them sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and create a more robust taste profile.
  • Corn Charring Technique: Rotate corn frequently while grilling to achieve an even, slightly caramelized exterior that adds smoky depth to the overall dish.
  • Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity to personal heat preference, mixing sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth for a perfectly balanced creamy drizzle.
  • Freshness Boost: Add freshly chopped cilantro and a final lime squeeze just before serving to brighten flavors and introduce a vibrant, zesty element to the bowl.

Tasty Twists on Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Vegetarian Grain Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in similar spices for protein-packed alternative.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining similar texture and nutritional profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Incorporate chipotle peppers into sauce, add roasted poblano peppers, and use queso fresco instead of cotija for deeper southwestern flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Mediterranean Adaptation: Use quinoa as base, add roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini and eggplant, replace hot sauce with harissa paste for Mediterranean-inspired interpretation.

Perfect Pairings for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Elevate Flavor Fusion: Pair this vibrant chicken bowl with crisp, zesty beverages that complement its bold profile.
  • Refresh with Craft Beer: Choose a light Mexican lager or hoppy pale ale that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and balances the spicy seasonings.
  • Citrus Margarita Match: Blend a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, creating a tangy counterpoint that highlights the dish's bright, grilled components.
  • Cooling Cucumber Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with muddled cucumber and mint for a refreshing drink that soothes the palate and echoes the bowl's fresh vegetable notes.

How to Store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl the Right Way

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping ingredients separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Place components like chicken, rice, and beans in freezer-safe containers, labeling with date; will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Warm individual portions at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
  • Revive dish by gently reheating ingredients in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl FAQs Simplified

  • What are the key spices used in this recipe?

The key spices are chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, which are used to season the chicken thoroughly for maximum flavor.

  • How do I achieve perfectly charred corn?

Grill corn ears over medium-high heat, rotating periodically to ensure even caramelization and develop a slightly charred exterior that enhances the overall taste.

  • Can I substitute cotija cheese?

Yes, you can replace cotija cheese with queso fresco or feta cheese if cotija is unavailable, maintaining a similar tangy and crumbly texture.

  • What makes the sauce unique?

The sauce combines sour cream, mayonnaise, and hot sauce, creating a zesty and creamy drizzle that adds rich, spicy complexity to the bowl.

Print
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Streetwise Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Streetwise Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican street corn meets comforting chicken rice in this zesty fusion bowl. Creamy, tangy flavors dance with charred corn and tender chicken, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup black beans

Vegetables:

  • 2 ears corn
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup green onions
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

Grains and Base:

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese
  • 2 tbsp cilantro
  • 1 lime (juice)

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare white rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
  2. Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips, then season comprehensively with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cooking chicken until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
  4. Simultaneously, grill corn ears until kernels develop a slightly charred, caramelized exterior, rotating periodically for even cooking.
  5. Dice red bell pepper, chop green onions, and halve cherry tomatoes, setting aside for bowl assembly.
  6. Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and hot sauce to create a zesty, creamy drizzle.
  7. Remove corn kernels from cob using a sharp knife, allowing them to fall naturally into a preparation bowl.
  8. Drain and rinse black beans, warming them briefly in the same skillet used for chicken.
  9. Construct bowl by layering rice as the foundation, then strategically arranging grilled chicken, charred corn kernels, black beans, and diced vegetables.
  10. Crumble cotija cheese over the bowl, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and squeeze lime juice for brightness.
  11. Finish by drizzling the creamy sauce generously across the bowl, ensuring every ingredient gets coated.

Notes

  • Corn Kernel Technique: Use a bundt pan’s center to stabilize the corn cob while slicing kernels, catching them neatly inside the pan.
  • Seasoning Boost: Toast spices like chili powder and cumin in the skillet before adding chicken to intensify their aromatic flavors and deepen the overall taste profile.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or black beans to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s vibrant flavor complexity.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and corn to store in the refrigerator, enabling faster bowl assembly during busy weeknights and ensuring quick, delicious meals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 575 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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