The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal inspired by the bold and zesty flavors of Mexican street corn. This dish combines tender chicken, smoky charred corn, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a perfect option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep-friendly lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Full of flavor – The smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors blend beautifully for a delicious meal.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, add extra toppings, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep – Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot sauce
- Extra lime wedges
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, sauté the kernels in a skillet over medium heat until slightly charred.
- If using canned or frozen corn, drain or thaw and pat dry before sautéing to achieve a roasted flavor.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with shredded chicken and charred corn.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the top.
Add Cheese and Cilantro:
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Serve:
- Add optional toppings such as avocado, jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra lime wedges.
- Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 400 per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for black beans, grilled tofu, or roasted chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Alternative – Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter meal.
- Cheese Swap – Replace cotija or feta with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Protein – Mix in scrambled eggs or an extra serving of chicken for a protein boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the rice and chicken freeze well, the sauce is best made fresh. Store the sauce separately and add it when serving.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this dish.
What type of rice works best?
Both white and brown rice work well. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
Increase the chili powder, add cayenne pepper, or mix in hot sauce for more heat.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the rice, chicken, and corn in advance and store them separately. Assemble when ready to eat.
What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is the closest substitute, but you can also use Parmesan or shredded cheddar.
Can I grill the corn instead of sautéing it?
Absolutely! Grilling the corn gives it an even deeper, smoky flavor.
How do I keep the rice from drying out when reheating?
Add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to keep the rice moist.
Can I use frozen corn directly?
Yes, but for the best flavor, thaw and sauté it to remove excess moisture.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or a side of black beans.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish delivers on taste and convenience. Try it out with your favorite toppings and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal inspired by Mexican street corn. It features tender chicken, smoky charred corn, creamy sauce, and fresh cilantro over a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is a delicious combination of bold, zesty flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot sauce
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, sauté kernels in a skillet over medium heat until slightly charred.
- If using canned or frozen corn, drain or thaw and pat dry before sautéing to enhance the roasted flavor.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with shredded chicken and charred corn.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the top.
Add Cheese and Cilantro:
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Serve:
- Add optional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra lime wedges.
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Spicier Version: Add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for black beans, grilled tofu, or roasted chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Extra Protein: Add scrambled eggs or extra chicken.
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