When you're in the mood for a quick, hearty meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, look no further than the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. This dish is a beautiful fusion of Tex-Mex flavors, combining savory grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty street corn salad. The result? A bowl that’s packed with nutrients, bold flavors, and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a satisfying solo meal, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
The base of this dish starts with perfectly seasoned chicken, grilled to juicy perfection, and served atop a bed of rice. But it’s the street corn salad that truly steals the show. Inspired by Mexican elote, the corn is tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing, spiced with chili powder, and brightened with fresh lime juice and cilantro. The flavors marry together to create a vibrant topping that elevates the entire bowl. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe brings the fiesta right to your kitchen.
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and slice into thin strips.
Cook the rice: While the chicken is grilling, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Make the street corn salad: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Mix everything until the corn is well-coated and the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble the bowl: Start with a generous scoop of rice as the base of your bowl. Add slices of grilled chicken on top, followed by a hearty serving of the street corn salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra cotija cheese, and optional toppings like avocado slices, hot sauce, or crispy tortilla strips.
Serve and enjoy: Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is now ready to serve! Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.
To take this dish to the next level, consider grilling fresh corn on the cob instead of using canned corn. The smoky char from the grill adds a depth of flavor to the street corn salad that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken. Simply brush the corn with a little oil and grill until the kernels are lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob to use in your salad.
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a versatile, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors — the creamy, tangy street corn salad complements the savory grilled chicken, and the fluffy rice ties it all together. Plus, the addition of fresh lime juice and chili powder brings a bright, zesty finish to the dish that makes it utterly irresistible.
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable. You can switch up the protein by using steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The rice can be swapped with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or any other grain of your choice. And don't forget to experiment with toppings — from sliced jalapeños for extra heat to a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for added flavor, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, nourishing option that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked!