Vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with a Twist Recipe

Sizzling summer nights call for a street corn chicken rice bowl that bursts with unexpected flavors and colors.

Packed with zesty Mexican-inspired street corn elements, this dish combines tender chicken and fluffy rice in a mouthwatering melody.

Charred corn kernels dance alongside seasoned chicken, creating a vibrant plate that tells a delicious story.

Fresh herbs and a tangy lime crema add brightness to every bite.

Crisp texture meets creamy smoothness in this simple yet sophisticated meal.

The blend of smoky, sweet, and savory notes promises a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Get ready to savor a bowl that breaks all the traditional recipe rules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 575 kcal

Servings: 5

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl With A Twist: Ingredients Breakdown

For Carbohydrate Base:
  • Rice: Fluffy foundation that soaks up delicious flavors, choose long-grain white rice for best texture and consistent cooking results.
For Protein:
  • Chicken Tenderloins: Lean and tender protein that absorbs spices beautifully, select fresh, evenly sized tenderloins for uniform cooking.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Vibrant spice mix that creates a bold, southwestern flavor profile, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant for maximum taste impact.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire dish's taste.
For Street Corn Components:
  • Corn: Sweet and charred base for street corn style, pick fresh or frozen kernels for maximum crunch and sweetness.
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy binding agents that create rich, tangy street corn sauce.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, zesty acid that cuts through richness and adds refreshing dimension.
  • Cheese: Creamy, salty topping that melts perfectly into warm corn.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides aromatic, green brightness.
For Garnish:
  • Avocado: Creamy, luxurious topping that adds healthy fat and smooth texture.
  • Additional Cilantro, Lime Juice: Final touch of freshness and tang.
For Cooking Liquids:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid for cooking rice, adds depth beyond plain water.
  • Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing and preventing sticking.

Tools For Making Your Street Corn Bowl Easy

  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking perfectly fluffy rice with chicken broth.
  • Skillet: Versatile pan for searing chicken and sautéing street corn.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chicken slicing and ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
  • Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring rice and broth precisely.
  • Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice after cooking.
  • Spatula: Helps with cooking and turning chicken and corn.

Step-By-Step Rice Bowl With Chicken And Corn

  • Rice Foundation

Simmer chicken broth with rice until tender and fluffy, creating a soft base for your culinary adventure.

  • Spiced Chicken Magic

Season tender chicken pieces with bold southwestern spices, searing until perfectly golden and juicy.

  • Charred Corn Symphony

Transform sweet corn kernels into a creamy, zesty delight with tangy cream, sharp cheese, and bright herbs.

  • Bowl Composition

Layer your creation with rice, succulent chicken slices, vibrant corn mixture, and creamy avocado for a festival of flavors and textures.

Seasoning & Add-Ons For This Bowl Recipe

  • Swap skillet cooking for outdoor grilling to infuse smoky char into chicken and corn, creating a deliciously caramelized exterior that elevates the entire dish.
  • Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans for a flexible recipe that caters to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
  • Create a zesty sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, lime zest, and hot sauce to drizzle over the bowl, adding extra tang and creaminess that complements the street corn's richness.
  • Repurpose remaining ingredients into a quick quesadilla or wrap the next day, ensuring zero food waste and maximizing meal potential with minimal effort.

Ideas For Plating Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Spice Up Your Presentation: Create a vibrant, colorful bowl by arranging ingredients in a visually appealing pattern, alternating between bright corn, green avocado, and golden chicken for maximum visual impact.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Offer personal touch by letting diners add extra toppings like hot sauce, extra cilantro, or crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch and personalized flavor profile.
  • Party-Perfect Plating: Transform this recipe into a crowd-pleasing party dish by setting up a build-your-own street corn chicken rice bowl station, allowing guests to mix and match their favorite ingredients.
  • Fresh Accompaniment Idea: Pair the bowl with a cool, refreshing side like a crisp cucumber salad or tangy pico de gallo to balance the rich, warm flavors of the chicken and street corn.

Keeping Your Chicken Rice Bowl Fresh

  • Batch Cook Brilliantly: Prepare multiple servings of rice and chicken in advance for quick weeknight meals. Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Refrigerate with Care: Keep assembled bowls or individual ingredients in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate wet ingredients like street corn from rice to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
  • Freeze Smart Strategies: Chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve moisture and flavor.
  • Refresh Before Serving: Revive refrigerated components by warming rice and chicken separately. Add fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cheese to restore the bowl's vibrant taste and appearance after storage.
Print
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Vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy street corn chicken rice bowl brings Mexican street flavors into a hearty one-dish meal. Zesty spices, grilled chicken, and corn combine for a delicious experience you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken tenderloins (boneless, skinless)
  • ½ avocado
  • 1 cup rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 cups corn kernels
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsps sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ¼ cup cotija or feta cheese
  • 2 tbsps fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Rice Preparation: Boil chicken broth in a medium saucepan, add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Coat chicken tenderloins with a spice blend of chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice diagonally.
  3. Street Corn Preparation: Char corn kernels in melted butter for 4-5 minutes. Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce. Stir in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
  4. Bowl Assembly: Layer rice as a base, top with sliced chicken and street corn mixture. Garnish with avocado slices, additional cilantro, a lime juice squeeze, and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Spice Blend Precision: Measure spices accurately to achieve a balanced, bold flavor profile that enhances the chicken’s taste without overwhelming the dish.
  • Chicken Cooking Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
  • Corn Charring Technique: Achieve maximum flavor by allowing corn to develop a slight char, which adds depth and smoky complexity to the street corn mixture.
  • Resting Matters: Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices, resulting in tender, succulent meat that cuts smoothly and remains moist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 575
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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