This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a burst of flavor with the smoky grilled chicken, slightly charred corn, and the creaminess from the mayo-lime sauce. The combination of fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese adds a delicious tang that brings all the elements together beautifully.
The creamy dressing on top gives a delightful contrast to the grilled textures and makes each bite an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a light and filling dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. You can even make it ahead for meal prep and enjoy it throughout the week!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
- Start by cooking the rice: bring water to a boil in a saucepan, add the rice, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- While the rice cooks, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- In a separate pan, sauté the corn with a little olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Stir to combine.
- Once the chicken is cooked, slice it thinly.
- To assemble the bowls: layer the rice at the bottom, then add the grilled chicken slices and charred corn. Drizzle with the creamy mayo-lime dressing, and sprinkle with additional cotija cheese and cilantro if desired. For an extra kick, drizzle with hot sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, the sweetness of charred corn, and the creaminess of a tangy mayo-lime dressing. It’s a perfect meal for any time of day, whether you’re enjoying a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a weekend gathering. This dish combines traditional Mexican street food flavors with a healthy twist, making it an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and satisfying meals.
A Mexican-Inspired Comfort Meal
Inspired by the popular Mexican street corn dish, elote, this rice bowl takes the elements of that beloved snack and turns it into a hearty and filling meal. Elote, or Mexican street corn, is typically made with grilled corn slathered in a creamy dressing, topped with chili powder, lime, and cheese. In this recipe, we’ve taken those same vibrant flavors and combined them with grilled chicken, rice, and a tangy dressing to create a complete, one-bowl meal.
One of the reasons this dish is so satisfying is its combination of textures. The tender, juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the slightly crispy corn, while the rice serves as a soft base that ties everything together. The creamy dressing brings everything together, creating a perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is its versatility. While the core ingredients—grilled chicken, corn, rice, and the creamy mayo-lime sauce—remain the same, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe based on your personal tastes or dietary preferences.
For example, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more hot sauce to the mayo-lime dressing or sprinkle extra chili powder on the chicken. For a vegetarian version, you could easily swap the grilled chicken for a plant-based protein, such as grilled tofu or beans, making the dish just as hearty and satisfying. Additionally, if you’re looking for a more filling meal, you can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even avocado for a creamy texture and additional flavor.
The Key to Perfectly Grilled Chicken
The chicken in this recipe is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper to create a flavorful crust when grilled. Grilling the chicken is essential to infuse the meat with a smoky flavor, and it also provides a satisfying char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
To ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful, it’s important to monitor the grilling process carefully. Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness, so be sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Grilling on medium-high heat is ideal, as it allows the chicken to cook quickly and develop a beautiful sear without drying out.
The Secret to Charred Corn
Charred corn is another essential component of this dish. The corn should be cooked until it has a slight caramelization and smokiness that adds an extra layer of depth to the flavor profile. Whether you’re using fresh corn or frozen corn kernels, you can achieve that perfect char by cooking it in a pan over medium heat until it starts to brown.
The slight sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the smoky grilled chicken and the tangy dressing, creating a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and savory.
Why Rice is the Perfect Base
The rice in this dish serves as the perfect base, providing a soft, neutral foundation that allows the other bold flavors to shine. It helps to balance out the heat from the spices and the richness of the dressing. While white rice is used in this recipe, you could easily swap it for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
The key to perfectly cooked rice is getting the water-to-rice ratio just right and letting it simmer until the water is absorbed. For added flavor, you could even cook the rice with a bit of vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water.
The Creamy Mayo-Lime Dressing: The Final Touch
The mayo-lime dressing is what elevates this dish and ties everything together. Made with just a few simple ingredients—mayo, lime juice, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese—this dressing provides a creamy, tangy, and slightly salty flavor that complements the grilled chicken and charred corn.
Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese with a salty, crumbly texture, and it adds the perfect amount of richness to the dressing. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar flavor. The lime juice brings a refreshing brightness to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayo. The cilantro adds a fresh, herby note that ties the flavors of the dish together beautifully.
A Colorful and Vibrant Dish
Not only is this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a delight to the taste buds, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the grilled chicken, charred corn, green cilantro, and white rice make for a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress guests or make a simple family dinner feel extra special.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider garnishing your bowl with extra lime wedges, fresh cilantro, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a pop of color and extra flavor. The dish looks just as good as it tastes, and that’s part of its charm.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another great aspect of this dish is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch of grilled chicken, charred corn, and rice, then store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. The creamy dressing can be stored separately to prevent the rice and chicken from getting soggy, and it can be added just before serving.
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl also holds up well as leftovers. If you have any remaining chicken, corn, or rice, simply reheat them and top with a little fresh dressing to enjoy the flavors all over again. The dish tastes just as good the next day, making it a great option for busy weekdays.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect fusion of flavors that come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. With smoky grilled chicken, charred corn, and a tangy mayo-lime dressing, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any dietary preference or flavor profile you like.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a flavorful meal to share with family and friends, or a delicious option for meal prep, this rice bowl ticks all the boxes. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. So why not give it a try and enjoy this colorful, tasty, and satisfying meal today?