Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort dish: the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Whenever I make this recipe, I’m instantly transported to those sunny street fairs where the delicious aroma of freshly grilled corn wafts through the air. There’s just something magical about taking those flavors of street corn—sweet corn, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of cheese—and transforming them into a vibrant, hearty meal.
This bowl has become a staple in my kitchen mainly because it’s so flexible! I can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impress my friends at a weekend get-together. The combination of grilled chicken and corn always leaves everyone asking for seconds—and who doesn’t love being the star of the dinner table, right?
What’s in Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Let’s break down what makes this bowl so scrumptious!
Cooked Rice: The base of our bowl. White or brown rice works fine, but I typically go for brown rice because it’s a bit heartier and healthier—plus, it gives that nutty flavor!
Chicken Breast: Grilled and diced to juicy perfection. It’s the main protein here, and seasoned nicely with spices, it adds an amazing flavor to the dish.
Corn Kernels: Sweet corn is a must! I love using fresh corn during the summer months, but frozen or canned definitely does the trick when fresh isn’t available!
Red Onion: This adds a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness that plays beautifully against the other ingredients.
Jalapeño Pepper: Optional, but I can’t resist that little extra kick! If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and slice that bad boy up!
Cotija Cheese: The crumble on top brings all those flavors together with its creamy richness. Don’t have any? Feta is a great substitute—although it’s a bit saltier.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Trust me when I say this dressing is heavenly! The sour cream adds creaminess, while the mayo gives it that smoothness we all crave.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime brightens everything up. This is essential for that zesty street corn flavor.
Chili Powder and Paprika: For seasoning, these spices add depth and a little smokiness which elevates the chicken wonderfully.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must for garnishing! It adds that pop of color and fresh flavor.
Lime Wedges: Everything is better with a squeeze of lime, am I right?
Is Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Good for You?
Now let’s chat about what’s good in this bowl!
Protein-Rich Chicken: The grilled chicken breast is a lean source of protein which is great for muscle repair and general health—perfect if you’re hitting the gym!
Corn: Not only is it delicious, but corn is also packed with fiber, and essential vitamins like B vitamins, making it a great addition.
Brown Rice: If you opt for brown rice, you’ll be getting whole grains, which help with digestion and provide long-lasting energy.
However, let’s keep in mind moderation. The creamy dressing, while delicious, can be calorie-heavy, especially with the mayonnaise involved. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can dial back on the mayo or even swap it out for Greek yogurt!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to serve 4 people:
– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 lb chicken breast, grilled and diced
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional)
– 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Ready for the fun part? Here’s how to bring this delicious bowl to life:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are perfectly cooked. Let them rest for a few minutes, then dice them into cubes.
2. **Cook the Corn:** In a skillet, toss in the corn. Cook it over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it’s slightly charred. This step is absolutely crucial for that street corn flavor! Remove from heat and set aside.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s creamy and smooth.
4. **Assemble the Bowls:** Start with a base of your cooked rice in bowls. Top it with the grilled chicken, charred corn, chopped red onion, jalapeño slices (if you’re feeling spicy), and crumbled cotija cheese.
5. **Add the Sauce:** Drizzle that heavenly dressing over the top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
6. **Serve:** Finish with lime wedges and, if you’re feeling bold, a little extra chili powder. Voilà! Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to devour!
Fiesta in a Bowl: Tips and Tricks
Let’s make this already amazing dish even more remarkable! Here are some of my favorite tweaks:
– **Make it Veggie-Loaded:** If you want to make it a bit lighter, feel free to add in some roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers! Yum!
– **Meal Prep Magic:** This bowl makes for an excellent meal prep option. You can cook everything ahead of time and simply assemble each day for a quick lunch or dinner.
– **Leftover Chicken:** Got some leftover chicken from last night’s dinner? Toss it in! It’ll save you time and reduce waste.
So, are you tempted yet? I promise this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will brighten up your dinner table and make your taste buds dance. Don’t forget to share your creation with me! Happy cooking!
