This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and zesty dish that combines flavorful grilled chicken, tangy street corn, and cilantro-lime rice, topped with your favorite fresh ingredients. Perfect for a satisfying and nutritious meal, this bowl is a delicious blend of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe to create this delightful dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680 g)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Chili Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For the Street Corn:
- Corn Kernels: 2 cups (340 g) (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
- Sour Cream: 1 tablespoon
- Lime Juice: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Cotija Cheese or Feta: 1/4 cup (30 g), crumbled
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, to taste
For the Rice:
- Cooked White or Brown Rice: 2 cups (380 g)
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup (15 g), chopped
For Toppings (Optional):
- Sliced Avocado or Guacamole
- Diced Tomatoes
- Sliced Jalapeños
- Extra Crumbled Cotija Cheese
- Lime Wedges
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be fully cooked and have a nice char on the outside.
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn
- Cook the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, grill the cobs until charred, then cut off the kernels.
- If using frozen or canned corn, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly charred.
- Mix the Street Corn: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and crumbled cotija cheese. Stir in the warm corn kernels and chopped cilantro until the mixture is fully coated and creamy.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
- Flavor the Rice: In a bowl, toss the cooked white or brown rice with lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Layer the Bowls: Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the sliced chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
- Add Toppings: Add optional toppings such as sliced avocado or guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, extra crumbled cotija cheese, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Warm: Serve the bowls warm, garnished with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy this vibrant and satisfying meal!
Tips
- Chicken Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or your favorite protein for a different twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños based on your preference for spice. Add more or less to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: Serves 4
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a deliciously zesty dish that’s perfect for a fresh, nutritious meal. With its combination of grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and tangy cilantro-lime rice, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and full of bold flavors. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a taste of street food-inspired comfort at home!
