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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
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The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful meal combining juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with smoky charred sweet corn, zesty spices, and fresh ingredients all layered over a bed of fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep that tastes restaurant-quality but is simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (for skillet)

Corn Mixture

  • 2 cups fresh corn (on the cob or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for dairy-free)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)

Rice Base

  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice

Garnishes and Extras

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Cook your chosen rice according to package instructions until fluffy and tender, then set aside to keep warm.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken evenly with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  3. Char the Corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, char it directly on a grill, grill pan, or under a broiler until brown spots develop. For frozen corn, sauté lightly in a hot pan until it gains some color and smoky notes.
  4. Make the Street Corn Mixture: In a bowl, combine the charred corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, a pinch of salt, and crumbled cotija cheese if using. Mix thoroughly until every kernel is coated in the creamy, zesty sauce.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Start with a generous scoop of the cooked rice in each serving bowl, layer sliced chicken on top, then add a hearty helping of the street corn mixture. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro and squeezing extra lime juice over the bowl for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn and herbs when possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Get a nice char on corn by using high heat on a grill, grill pan, or broiler.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder, or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
  • Make extra corn mixture to use as a topping for other dishes or as a spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn chicken, rice bowl, Mexican inspired, easy dinner, healthy meal, meal prep, smoky corn, spicy chicken, flavorful bowl

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/street-corn-chicken-rice-bowl/