Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, is a tasty mixture of rich chicken, rich rice, and pungent flavors of Mexican street corn. It is a delicious mix of elote's (Mexican street corn) smoky and tangy taste, rice as filling, and chicken full of proteins. Therefore, it becomes a complete, tasteful meal.

The Origins of Mexican Street Corn

Elote, or street corn, is a popular Mexican street food. It's actually a grilled ear of corn smothered with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese. The end product is a spicy, tangy, and creamy snack that one can't help but enjoy. Placing the flavors on top of a chicken rice bowl turns the classic street food into a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

The following ingredients will be needed in order to create this delicious bowl:

Chicken:  Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Marinating the chicken makes it tender and adds flavor.
 Rice:  White rice, brown rice, or wild rice works as the base. All of these give a different texture and nutritional value.
Corn:  Fresh corn on the cob is ideal, but canned or frozen corn can be used when fresh is out of season.
Sauce: Cheese: Crumbly cotija cheese has a salty and sour flavor. If unavailable, use feta cheese.
Toppings:  A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and pico de gallo provide flavor and presentation to the bowl.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and ensure it is coated evenly. Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

2. Sear the Chicken: Sear a skillet on medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until browned nicely and cooked through. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Preparing the Rice

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse rice in cold water to remove excess starch. In a pot, add rice along with water (or chicken broth for added flavor) and a pinch of salt. Boil it, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
2. Season the Rice: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and mix in a splash of lime juice and some chopped cilantro for extra freshness.

Preparing the Street Corn

1. Grill the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill the ears of corn until they are lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using canned or frozen corn, heat the kernels in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and lightly browned.

2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.

3. Combine Corn and Sauce: Add the warm corn into the sauce mixture and stir well until the kernels are evenly coated. Combine chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese and mix well.

Assembling Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

1. Base Layer: Spoon copious amounts of the seasoned rice into each bowl.

2. Add Chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the rice.

3. Top with Street Corn: Spoon the street corn mixture over the chicken.

4. Garnish: Add favorite toppings like more cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Customizing Your Bowl

One of the best things about the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is its versatility. Below are some tips to make it your own:

Spice Level: Add more or less chili powder to your taste. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, beef, or a vegetable protein like tofu or black beans for a vegetarian option.

Grains: Substitute different grains such as quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Other Vegetables: Throw in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to enhance the level and color of the vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits

The dish is not only yummy but healthy as well:

Protein: Chicken is a low-fat source of protein that contributes to the repair and construction of muscles.

Fiber: Rice and corn supply dietary fiber that aids in digestion and creates a sense of fullness.

Vitamins and Minerals: Lime juice, cilantro, and avocado provide vitamins C, K, and healthy fats.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Meal Prep and Storage

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is ideal for meal prep:

Storage: Assemble the bowls in an air-tight container, keeping the sauce and fresh toppings in individual containers until serving time.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken, rice, and corn mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding fresh toppings. This ensures the dish maintains its best texture and flavor.

Why You'll Adore This Recipe

There are a number of reasons why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a favorite dish:

Bold Flavors – The combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors provides an adventurous bite.

Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and simple steps, the recipe is great for chefs at all levels.

Customizable – You can easily modify the ingredients to fit most dietary needs and preferences.

Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead of time for a quick and delicious meal mid-week.

Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious combination of Mexican street corn flavor and cozy rice and chicken. Not only is the dish full, but it is also rich in nutrients, making it suitable for lunch or dinner. Preparing for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will be one of your go-to staples.

Try this dish out tonight and enjoy restaurant-level food for dinner at home! Be sure to let us know how it works out in the comments: what toppings did you use to make it your own?

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