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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Quick and Delicious Meal

Are you looking for a meal that is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you’re meal prepping for the week. With its creamy textures, smoky kick, and vibrant ingredients, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this amazing dish!

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Chicken Breast or Thighs: The primary protein source, providing essential nutrients and a juicy texture that complements the other ingredients.
Corn (Grilled or Canned): Adds sweetness and texture. Grilled corn brings a smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Cooked Rice: Acts as a hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken and corn.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: Creates a creamy street corn sauce that ties everything together and adds richness.
Cotija Cheese: A crumbly cheese that brings a salty, tangy flavor, enhancing the taste of the street corn.
Lime Juice: Adds freshness and a zesty kick, balancing the richness of the dish.
Cilantro: Provides a burst of freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Chili Powder and Smoked Paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky flavor into the chicken and corn.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Enhances the savory taste of the dish, adding depth to the flavors.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Street Corn Mixture:

1 ½ cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
½ cup Cotija cheese (or feta)
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

For the Rice Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
½ avocado, sliced (optional)
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Extra Cotija cheese for topping

Step-by-Step “Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl” Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix and drizzle with olive oil.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn Mixture

If using fresh corn, grill it on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until you see nice grill marks.
If using canned or frozen corn, heat it in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
In a bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowl

Divide the cooked rice into four serving bowls.
Top each bowl with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
Garnish with extra Cotija cheese, avocado slices, and jalapeños if desired.
Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for an extra zesty kick.

Expert Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

For extra smokiness: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a deeper flavor.
Short on time? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the street corn mix for extra richness.
For meal prep: Store cooked chicken, rice, and street corn mixture separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving.

Presentation Tips

Serve in shallow bowls for an inviting presentation.
Sprinkle extra Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant finish.
Drizzle with chipotle sauce or avocado crema for added flavor and flair.

Creative Twists

Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the corn mixture for an extra kick.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or use a bed of leafy greens.
Mexican-Inspired: Mix in black beans and diced tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
Breakfast Bowl: Top with a fried egg for a protein-packed morning meal that’s both filling and delicious.

Pro Tip for Customization

Customize your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl based on your taste preferences! Swap in your favorite protein like shrimp or tofu, or mix in seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken, rice, and street corn mixture separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

3. Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Just sauté it for a few minutes to bring out the flavor and give it a slight char.

4. Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream and skip the Cotija cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.

5. What other proteins work well in this dish?

Try shrimp, tofu, or ground turkey for a delicious twist on this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful combination of creamy, smoky, and zesty flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or planning a fun meal prep for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.

Enjoy this vibrant and delicious meal with your loved ones, and don’t forget to share your experience with us! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!

For more amazing recipes and ideas for easy birthday dinner ideas or quick delicious dinner recipes, keep exploring Chloe’s Cozy Kitchen!

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