Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: Delicious 30-Minute Dinner

Oh, Mexican street corn…elote…can we just agree it’s one of the greatest things EVER? That creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness? I’m obsessed! One day, I was craving it like crazy, but I also wanted something, you know, a little more substantial. That’s when BOOM! The idea for this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl hit me. I wanted all those amazing flavors in a bowl that was quick, easy, and didn’t leave me feeling like I needed a nap afterward. These rice bowls are a regular in my kitchen because sometimes I want something healthy that doesn’t taste healthy, y’know?

Trust me, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is where it’s at! It’s got everything: the sweet char of grilled corn, juicy chicken, creamy sauce…all piled on top of fluffy rice. Seriously, you can whip this up faster than ordering takeout, and it’s way better for you. So, ditch the drive-thru and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, listen up, because this isn’t just ANY rice bowl. This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is about to become your new go-to for a crazy-delicious, super-easy, and actually-good-for-you meal. Here’s why:

• Quick as a Wink: Seriously, from fridge to face in like 30 minutes.
• Flavor Party: Sweet corn, smoky chicken, zesty sauce…the flavors EXPLODE!
• Customize It!: Add whatever veggies, cheeses, or toppings your heart desires!
• Balanced Bliss: Protein, carbs, and healthy fats all in one tasty bowl. Winner winner chicken (and corn!) dinner!

Ingredients for Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Alright, gather ’round, ingredient hunters! Here’s what you’ll need to make this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl magic happen. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! We keep it simple but BIG on flavor.

• 1 cup cooked rice (I’m a sucker for fluffy basmati, but long-grain works a charm too!)
• 1 grilled chicken breast, diced (about 4-6 ounces…ish)
• 1 ear of corn, grilled and kernels removed (fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch – just thaw it out!)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat is my jam, but light is fine!)
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (Oh, that salty, cheesy goodness!)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed, please!)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (or more, if you’re feeling spicy!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (because, duh!)

How to Make a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, folks, time to get down to business! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is seriously simple to make, but I’m gonna walk you through it step-by-step so you nail it every single time. Trust me, once you make this once, you’ll be whipping it up on autopilot. So, let’s go!

1. Rice is Right: First things first, you’ll want to cook your rice. If you’ve got leftover rice in the fridge, even better! Saves you time, and honestly, day-old rice is sometimes even fluffier. Just make sure it’s heated through before you build your bowl.
2. Get Your Grill On (or Pan On!): While the rice is doing its thing (or you’re reheating it), it’s grilling time. Crank up your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re stuck inside, no worries, a grill pan or even a regular skillet works just fine! You’ll want to lightly oil the grates or pan to stop sticking.
3. Chicken Time: Season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor. Grill it for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. Nobody wants dry, flavorless chicken. And don’t even THINK of skipping the rest time – let the chicken hang loose for 5 minutes before you dice it. That keeps it juicy!
4. Corn on the Cob (and Off!): Shuck that corn and throw it on the grill! Rotate it every few minutes until it’s nicely charred all over. I’m talking about those lovely little black spots, people! That’s where the magic happens! It takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s cooled slightly, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. Watch out, it can splat!
5. Sauce It Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and remaining chili powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. More lime juice? Go for it! A pinch more chili powder? Live a little! This is YOUR bowl, after all.
6. Bowl Assembly Time!: Now for the fun part! Place the cooked rice in a bowl. Top with the diced grilled chicken and those beautiful grilled corn kernels. Drizzle that amazing sauce all over everything.
7. Finishing Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, if you’re feeling fancy (and you should be!).
8. Devour!: Serve your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Want to take your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? I’ve got a few little secrets that’ll make all the difference. These are my go-to tweaks for maximum flavor. Let’s make this bowl the best it can be!

• Marinate That Chicken!: Seriously, even a quick 30-minute marinade makes a HUGE difference. I like a mix of lime juice, garlic, and a little bit of olive oil.
• Charred Corn = Flavor Bomb: Don’t be shy with the grill! Get those kernels nice and charred. That smoky flavor is what makes “street corn” so addictive.
• Fresh Lime is Non-Negotiable: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t cut it. Fresh lime juice is brighter, more flavorful, and makes everything sing.
• Spice It Your Way: Don’t be afraid to adjust the chili powder to your liking. If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, too!

Variations for Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? Awesome! Now let’s get crazy and mix things up! This recipe is seriously begging for you to put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s how the magic happens in the kitchen! Here are some ideas I’ve tried and loved.

• Protein Power-Up: Not feeling chicken? No problem! Grilled shrimp is amazing in this bowl. Or how about some savory steak? (Check out my Ultimate Steak Bowl recipe for inspiration!) Tofu is also amazing for my vegetarian friends.
• Cheese, Please!: Cotija is classic, but feta or queso fresco are awesome alternatives. They each bring a unique tanginess and texture to the bowl.
• Topping Mania: This is where you can REALLY let your creativity shine. Avocado adds creaminess, black beans add heartiness, and salsa adds a kick! The more, the merrier, I say!
• Grain Game Strong: Rice is great, but have you tried quinoa or brown rice? They add a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, busy bees, listen up! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is totally make-ahead friendly. Cook the rice and grill the chicken and corn up to 2 days in advance. Store ’em separately in the fridge. Then, when hunger strikes, just assemble and enjoy! Leftovers? No problem! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors actually meld together and get even MORE delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Got questions about this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? I thought you might! Here are a few answers to the questions I get asked most often. If you’re still scratching your head about something, leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help you out!

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Fresh corn is amazing when it’s in season, but frozen corn is a lifesaver the rest of the year. Just thaw it completely before grilling (or pan-frying). I like to toss it with a little olive oil and chili powder before cooking. Adds a little extra something-something!

Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?

You bet! For a vegetarian version, just skip the chicken or sub in some grilled halloumi cheese. For a vegan version, try grilling some seasoned tofu and using a vegan mayo alternative. There are some surprisingly good ones out there these days! Also, be sure to check that your chili powder doesn’t contain any sneaky animal products.

What other vegetables can I add?

Oh, the possibilities! Grilled bell peppers or onions would be delicious. Black beans or roasted sweet potatoes would also work really well. I’ve even thrown in some chopped tomatoes or radishes for a little extra crunch and freshness. Seriously, go wild! It’s your bowl, after all!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Totally! Cotija cheese is the traditional choice for elote, but if you can’t find it (or just don’t like it), feta or queso fresco are great substitutes. They both have a similar salty, crumbly texture. Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar would also work in a pinch. Just avoid anything too strong or melty, as it’ll overpower the other flavors.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info for this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the calories, fat, protein, carbs and all that good stuff. Remember, these are just estimates, okay? It all depends on your exact ingredients!

Enjoy Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Alright, my friend, dig in! I seriously hope you love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl as much as I do! And don’t be a stranger – I wanna hear all about YOUR bowl. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Did you try any fun variations? What are your favorite toppings? Did you crank up the heat with extra chili powder? Share the love and spread the bowl-liciousness! And if you loved this recipe, please give it a rating and share it with your friends. Happy bowl-ing!

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