Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes bring the vibrant taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen table, combining juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice in one satisfying dish. This easy chicken rice bowl recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special, using simple ingredients for professional results.
Your New Go-To Dinner
- One-Bowl Wonder – Everything cooks separately then comes together for easy assembly and minimal cleanup.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor – The combination of cotija cheese, smoky spices, and fresh lime creates an authentic street corn chicken bowl experience.
- Quick & Customizable – Ready in under 45 minutes, and you can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies.
- Meal Prep Friendly – The components hold up well, making this creamy Mexican rice bowl perfect for lunches throughout the week.
What You’ll Need for Your Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes
For the Rice Base
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice – This creates a fluffy base that perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Cooking the rice in broth instead of water adds a subtle savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Seasons the rice from within.
For the Chicken & Spice Rub
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless chicken pieces – Thighs or breasts work well; thighs stay extra juicy.
- 2 tablespoons pure olive oil – For cooking the chicken to a golden brown.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – The simple spice rub that gives the chicken its warm, smoky character.
For the Creamy Street Corn Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise & ¼ cup sour cream – The base for the signature creamy, tangy sauce.
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese – This salty Mexican cheese is essential for authenticity.
- 2 teaspoons lime zest & 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – Provides the essential bright, citrusy kick.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness that mimics the grilled flavor of street corn.
For the Bowl Assembly
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained – The sweet and crunchy street corn element.
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped – For a spicy kick; adjust the amount to your taste.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped – A fresh herb garnish that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 large lime, cut into wedges – For serving, so everyone can add an extra squeeze of citrus.
Timing Your Perfect Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes
I love how this recipe comes together efficiently. The total time is just 45 minutes, which makes it an ideal easy chicken rice bowl recipe for a busy weeknight.
You’ll spend about 20 minutes on prep work, like seasoning the chicken and making the sauce. Meanwhile, the rice simmers for 18 minutes and the chicken cooks in about 12-14 minutes. This one-pot chicken and rice method means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table without a huge time investment. For another great quick dinner recipe, check out my quick chicken lo mein.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
As a chef, I believe everyone should be able to enjoy great food. This recipe is quite adaptable for those watching their sugar intake or managing dietary needs like a low glycemic index.
For a lower sugar version, you can use a sugar alternative like stevia in place of any potential added sugars in store-bought sauces. You could also increase the non-starchy vegetables for better glycemic control. Portion size is key for blood sugar friendly meals, so consider using a smaller bowl and loading up on extra greens.
Pro Tips for Your Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes
These are the little touches I use in my kitchen to make this street corn chicken bowl truly exceptional. Technique matters for professional results.
- Flavor Swap: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a good substitute. For a different twist, try my creamy corn dip as an inspiration for the sauce.
- Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds tang and protein.
- Texture Fix: For the best texture, let the rice steam off-heat for the full 5 minutes. This ensures every grain is perfectly fluffy and not mushy.
- Storage Tip: The assembled bowls are best fresh, but the components store well separately for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for easy meal prep.
Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Create a flavorful street corn chicken rice bowl with creamy cotija sauce, jalapeños, and lime for a zesty, satisfying dinner in under 45 minutes.
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- large skillet
- large mixing bowl
- small bowl
- whisk
- spatula
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Chicken
- 1.25 pounds boneless chicken pieces
- 2 tbsp pure olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce and Assembly
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 15-ounce can
- 1 medium jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 large lime cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Combine the white rice, chicken broth, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish absorbing the liquid. The rice should be tender and fluffy.
- While the rice cooks, pat the boneless chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces.
- Heat the pure olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden brown and nicely charred in spots. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, make the sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
- To the bowl with the sauce, add the cooked rice, drained corn, finely chopped jalapeño, and sliced chicken. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the rice and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Divide the mixture among serving bowls. Garnish with the finely chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
Let the rice stand covered to finish absorbing liquid. Rest the chicken before slicing for juicier results.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of This Creamy Mexican Rice Bowl
This dish offers a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The chicken provides a lean protein source essential for muscle maintenance, while the rice serves as an excellent energy-giving carbohydrate.
Corn adds dietary fiber, which is good for digestive health. The dish is also a good source of vitamins from the lime juice and cilantro. Compared to takeout, you control the sodium and fat, making it a healthier choice. For another wholesome bowl recipe, explore my spaghetti squash pad thai. You can find more general nutritional guidance on balanced meals from sources like the MyPlate guidelines.
A Lighter Version of Your Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes
If you’re looking for a lighter take, simple swaps can make a big difference. Use light mayonnaise or increase the ratio of Greek yogurt to mayo in the sauce.
You can also use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option. Adding a cup of chopped spinach or kale when you mix everything together is an easy way to get more greens. For a different healthy chicken dish, my white chicken chili is another great option.
How to Serve Your Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes Like a Chef
I love serving this dish family-style for a casual dinner with friends. It brings back memories of lively meals where everyone customizes their own plate. Presentation is key for restaurant technique at home.
Serve the bowls with extra lime wedges and a small dish of extra cotija cheese for topping. A simple side like a crisp green salad or warmed tortilla chips complements the creamy texture perfectly. For a drink pairing, a light Mexican beer or a citrusy agua fresca works wonderfully. If you enjoy these flavors, you might also love my easy chicken tacos or cheesy chicken enchiladas for a full Mexican-inspired feast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for the Perfect Jalapeño Lime Chicken Bowl
Avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your street corn chicken bowl turns out perfectly every time. Let’s make sure you get professional results.
Why is my rice mushy? This usually happens if you skip the resting step after cooking. Letting the rice stand, covered and off the heat, is crucial for it to absorb residual steam and become fluffy, not gummy.
How to prevent dry chicken? The secret is not to overcook it. Use an instant-read thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing keeps the juices locked in. For more tips on juicy chicken, see my guide to cooking chicken thighs.
Why is my sauce too thin? If your sauce seems runny, you can thicken it by using less lime juice initially or by adding a bit more cotija cheese. The consistency should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon. For more sauce-making techniques, a resource like America’s Test Kitchen can be helpful.
I remember one time I rushed the chicken resting step and ended up with a dry bowl. It taught me that patience is a chef’s secret weapon, even in quick dinner recipes.
How to Store and Enjoy Your Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes Later
This dish stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. I often make a double batch to have lunches ready for a few days.
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and rice reheat best in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep them moist. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled bowls as the creamy sauce can separate. For another great make-ahead option, try my chicken alfredo rice casserole.
Why You Should Try These Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes Tonight
This recipe is a weekly staple in my house because it’s consistently delicious and satisfying. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques for a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
The combination of smoky, creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors is truly irresistible. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new favorite quick dinner recipe. If you enjoy this, I think you’ll also love exploring other one-bowl meals like my honey BBQ chicken rice, smothered chicken and rice, or hearty Cajun sausage skillet. For a different cuisine, my chicken shawarma is another crowd-pleaser. Making these Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes is a simple way to bring joy and great flavor to your table.
More Cozy Dinner Recipes You’ll Adore
If you loved the vibrant flavors of this bowl, here are a few more of my favorite comforting recipes that are sure to become weeknight heroes.
Easy Egg Fried Rice – A classic takeout fake-out that’s faster than delivery.
Roasted Basil Tomato Soup – The ultimate cozy companion for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely. Thawed frozen corn works perfectly in these Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes. You might even prefer the fresher taste. Just make sure to drain it well so your creamy sauce doesn’t become watery.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. You can also offer hot sauce at the table for everyone to customize their own Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works best as it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump. Avoid short-grain or sushi rice, which can make your Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipes too sticky.
Is cotija cheese essential?
Cotija provides an authentic salty, crumbly texture. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is the closest substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but still result in a delicious creamy Mexican rice bowl.
