Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Bowl: Prepare to be transported to a vibrant summer festival with every single bite! Imagine the smoky char of grilled corn, the zesty tang of lime, and the creamy coolness of cotija cheese, all perfectly complementing tender, juicy chicken. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a fiesta in a bowl that will leave you craving more.

Inspired by the beloved Mexican street food, Elote, this dish takes those iconic flavors and transforms them into a satisfying and complete meal. Elote, traditionally grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, chili powder, and cheese, has been a staple of Mexican street vendors for generations, a testament to its simple yet irresistible appeal. We’ve taken that vibrant essence and elevated it, creating a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

People adore this Street Corn Chicken Bowl for its incredible combination of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the corn, the savory chicken, the creamy sauce, and the crunchy tortilla strips create a symphony of sensations in your mouth. It’s also incredibly convenient! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer barbecue, this bowl is a guaranteed winner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your liking – add more spice, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or load it up with your favorite toppings. Get ready to experience the magic of street corn in a whole new way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Street Corn:
• 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (or Tajin seasoning)
• For the Rice:
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Bowl Assembly:
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 avocado, diced
• Optional toppings: hot sauce, pickled onions, extra cilantro, lime wedges

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands for this, but you can use a spoon if you prefer.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it to the bowls later.

Making the Street Corn:

1. Now, let’s tackle the street corn. There are a couple of ways you can cook the corn. You can grill it, boil it, or even roast it in the oven. I prefer grilling it for that smoky flavor, but for this recipe, I’ll show you how to do it in a skillet for ease and convenience.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the corn. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and cooked through. You want it to have some nice color on it.
3. Remove the corn from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. You can do this by standing the corn on its end and using a sharp knife to slice downwards.
4. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), Cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder (or Tajin seasoning). Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of salt and pepper here.

Cooking the Rice:

1. Let’s get the rice cooking. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with water, olive oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time!
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become even more fluffy.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Assembling the Street Corn Chicken Bowls:

1. Now for the fun part – assembling the bowls! Grab your favorite bowls and let’s get started.
2. Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. The amount of rice you use will depend on your preference, but I usually go for about 1/2 cup to 1 cup per bowl.
3. Top the rice with the cooked chicken. Again, adjust the amount to your liking.
4. Add a generous scoop of the street corn mixture on top of the chicken. This is where all the flavor comes from!
5. Add a spoonful of black beans to each bowl.
6. Finally, top with diced avocado.
7. Optional: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as hot sauce, pickled onions, extra cilantro, and lime wedges. I love a good drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra kick!
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Street Corn Chicken Bowls!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or use a spicier chili powder. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the bowls.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the bowls, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. You can grill or sauté them along with the chicken.
• Use different grains: If you’re not a fan of white rice, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice as a base for the bowls.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken, street corn, and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls.
• Grilling the Corn: For a smokier flavor, grill the corn directly on the grill until slightly charred. Then proceed with cutting the kernels and mixing with the other ingredients.
• Adjusting the Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy street corn, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also add a splash of milk or water to thin it out if needed.
• Cotija Cheese Substitute: If you can’t find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or queso fresco.
• Lime Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the street corn mixture.

Enjoy your homemade Street Corn Chicken Bowls! I hope you love them as much as I do. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a fun and flavorful weekend gathering.

Conclusion:

This Street Corn Chicken Bowl recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a vibrant fiesta in a bowl, bursting with flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken to the sweet and smoky charred corn, every element works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. I know, I know, I’m biased, but trust me on this one! You absolutely *need* to try this.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping – the components hold up beautifully in the fridge, making it easy to assemble a delicious and healthy lunch throughout the week. But beyond the practicality, it’s the sheer deliciousness that makes this recipe a winner. The combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy is simply irresistible.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished bowl for an extra kick. A little goes a long way!
* Go vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or black beans for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option. Tofu works great too! Just be sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before grilling or pan-frying.
* Add some greens! Toss in some chopped romaine lettuce or spinach for added nutrients and a refreshing crunch.
* Make it a salad! Skip the rice and serve the chicken and corn mixture over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, low-carb option.
* Turn it into tacos! Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas for a fun and flavorful taco night.
* Get cheesy! Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese or shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
* Avocado love! Add diced avocado for a creamy and healthy fat boost.
* Grain alternatives: If you’re not a fan of rice, quinoa or couscous are excellent substitutes.
* Make it ahead: Prepare the chicken, corn, and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

I truly believe that this Street Corn Chicken Bowl will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a solo meal when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying. The vibrant colors and bold flavors are sure to brighten your day and leave you feeling happy and energized.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And please, don’t be shy! I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to improve my recipes, and your feedback is invaluable. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Street Corn Chicken Bowl!