Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Summer Nights

Crispy, charred street corn adds unexpected delight to this mouthwatering chicken rice bowl.

Layers of flavor burst from each carefully crafted bite.

Zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings dance across tender chicken and fluffy rice.

Kernels of sweet corn provide a delightful crunch that surprises and satisfies.

Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the entire dish with vibrant notes.

Creamy sauce drizzled on top connects all the ingredients in perfect harmony.

The combination feels both comforting and exciting, promising a meal you’ll absolutely crave.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular that will impress everyone at the table.

What Makes Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Satisfying

• Craft a personalized bowl by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• Prepare this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking delicious, nutritious dinners.
• Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and healthy fats from avocado, this bowl delivers balanced nutrition in every bite.
• Transform outdoor cooking into a fun culinary experience by using fresh summer ingredients and grilling techniques that enhance flavors.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main source of the dish, good when fresh and boneless.
• Black Beans: Additional protein source with hearty texture and earthy flavor.

• Corn, Red Onion, Avocado: Fresh ingredients adding color, crunch, and variety to the rice bowl.
• Cilantro: Bright herb providing fresh, citrusy notes to the dish.
• Lime: Adds zesty acidity and helps balance the flavors.

• Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend for seasoning the chicken with warm, complex flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Extra smoky depth for corn.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for street corn mixture.
• Cotija Cheese: Salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds richness.

• Rice: Neutral base that absorbs other flavors and provides substance to the bowl.

Putting Together the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Fire Up The Chicken

Ignite grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat

• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Massage chicken breasts thoroughly with spice mixture

Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165°F

Rest chicken briefly before slicing into strips

Step 2: Transform Corn Into Street Magic

Paint corn with melted butter

Sprinkle smoked paprika generously

Grill corn, rotating occasionally until charred and tender, about 10 minutes

Cool corn slightly

Slice kernels from cob

Step 3: Create Street Corn Explosion

• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro

Splash lime juice

Stir until ingredients dance together

Step 4: Construct Flavor Powerhouse Bowl

Layer cooked rice as foundation

Drizzle lime juice

Fold in black beans

• Sliced chicken
• Street corn mixture
• Avocado slices
• Red onion

Scatter extra cilantro

Serve with lime wedges on side

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Chicken and Corn Combo

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the spice penetration and tenderness.
• Corn Charring Technique: Rotate corn frequently while grilling to achieve even, beautiful char marks without burning the kernels.
• Rice Bowl Customization: Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and different texture profiles.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative to make the recipe lactose-free.
• Meal Prep Shortcut: Grill extra chicken and corn during preparation to create quick leftovers for future meals, saving time and adding variety.

How to Keep Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Fresh

• Store leftover rice bowl components separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Warm sliced chicken gently in microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Keep street corn topping separate and add fresh just before serving to preserve crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
• Avoid freezing assembled bowl as rice and vegetables will lose quality; instead, store individual ingredients and reassemble when ready to enjoy.

What Works Well with a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Perfect Pairings
• Zesty tequila-based cocktail with fresh lime and salt rim perfectly complements the street corn chicken rice bowl's bright, tangy profile, cutting through the rich and creamy elements.
• Fresh cucumber salsa with mint and jalapeño adds a refreshing crunch that balances the bowl's warm spices and provides a light, cooling contrast to the grilled chicken.
• Light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona offers a clean, subtle backdrop that enhances the dish's smoky grilled notes and spicy undertones without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Watermelon or pineapple agua fresca brings a sweet, hydrating element that neutralizes the dish's heat and provides a quintessential Mexican-inspired beverage pairing with natural fruit sweetness.

Fresh Ideas for Changing Up Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Shrimp Sensation: Replace chicken with grilled jumbo shrimp seasoned with similar spices for a seafood twist.
• Tofu Transformation: Use marinated firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein option that absorbs the same zesty seasonings.
• Pulled Pork Paradise: Substitute chicken with slow-cooked pulled pork for a richer, more robust flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free Grain Bowl: Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bowl: Swap rice with riced cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn chicken rice bowls blend zesty grilled corn, tender chicken, and fluffy rice into a symphony of southwestern flavors. Savory spices and creamy cotija cheese elevate this dish, promising you a delicious journey through authentic culinary landscapes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Corn and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon 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. Marinate chicken with a blend of olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring thorough coating.
2. Heat grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high temperature.
3. Grill chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), creating a perfectly cooked, juicy protein.
4. Allow chicken to rest briefly, then slice into elegant strips.
5. Brush corn with melted butter and dust with smoked paprika.
6. Char corn on grill, rotating periodically until kernels develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior, approximately 10 minutes.
7. Remove corn from heat and allow slight cooling before carefully slicing kernels off the cob.
8. Create street corn mixture by combining grilled kernels with creamy mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro.
9. Enhance corn mixture with a vibrant squeeze of lime juice, stirring to integrate flavors.
10. Prepare rice base and infuse with tangy lime juice and protein-rich black beans.
11. Construct the bowl by layering rice, arranging sliced chicken, topping with street corn mixture.
12. Garnish with creamy avocado slices and thinly sliced red onion.
13. Finish with additional cilantro and serve alongside zesty lime wedges for a personalized touch.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Allow chicken to marinate in spices for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor penetration.
• Use fresh corn for the best charred texture and sweet flavor, but frozen corn works as a quick alternative.
• Optimize grilling technique by patting chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create better caramelization.
• Customize bowl for dietary needs by substituting rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or using plant-based protein instead of chicken for vegetarian option.
• Keep cotija cheese on the side for guests to add their preferred amount, accommodating lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Meal prep friendly: Grill chicken and corn in advance, store separately, and assemble bowls quickly during the week.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg