Have you ever craved something vibrant, bursting with flavor, and satisfying? Welcome to my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe, a culinary delight that seamlessly blends smoky, tangy, and creamy elements into one delightful dish. Whether you’re a street food aficionado or just love hearty bowls, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: From the seasoned chicken to the tangy street corn salad, each bite is a flavor explosion.
- Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite toppings to cater to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and accessible ingredients make this a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Colorful Presentation: An inviting look that impresses guests and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe lies in its simplicity. With fresh, vibrant ingredients, every component plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of tastes and textures that’s truly unforgettable.
- Grilled Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender and juicy bites. A good marinade makes all the difference!
- Grilled Corn: Fresh corn on the cob gives the salad a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the street corn salad.
- Feta and Cotija Cheese: These cheeses provide a salty, tangy contrast.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it according to your preferences and dietary needs. Transform this dish by playing with the ingredients and layers of flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free options for a lactose-friendly dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños or chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine your favorite marinade ingredients (recipe not provided) and coat the chicken breasts thoroughly. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat the grill to medium and cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to indirect heat and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn
Preheat your grill to 450°F. Drizzle corn cobs with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred. Cut kernels off the cob when cooled.
Step 4: Make the Street Corn Salad
Mix the grilled corn with mayonnaise, feta, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, and cotija cheese. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Layer your bowls with a bed of fluffy rice, followed by succulent chicken and the vibrant street corn salad. Top with black beans, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and other favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Tender Chicken: Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Charred Corn: Turn the corn every 2-3 minutes for an even char that enhances the dish’s smoky notes.
- Rice Perfection: Use broth instead of water when cooking the rice for added flavor.
- Herb Boost: Use a mix of cilantro and mint for a refreshing twist.
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the freshness and creaminess in every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these bowls with a light, crisp salad or a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a fiesta-like meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in large, shallow bowls for a family-style meal, or use individual containers for a personalized touch at gatherings. You can also layer ingredients in mason jars for a portable option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making lunch the next day a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken and corn salad separately for up to a month. Thawed components bring the same bold flavors back to life.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. The corn salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
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Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken and prepare the corn salad a day in advance for an easy assembly at mealtime.
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What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute, providing a similar salty and crumbly texture.
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Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add more beans or some grilled tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
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Can I use frozen corn instead?
Fresh corn gives the best char and flavor, but frozen corn is a convenient alternative, especially during the off-season.
Final Thoughts
Your journey to discovering new and exciting dishes starts here. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe and make it your own. Its flavors, textures, and adaptability promise a delicious experience in every bite.
PrintStreet Corn Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a vibrant and hearty street corn chicken rice bowl that combines grilled chicken, smoky grilled corn, and flavorful toppings for a delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe features tender marinated chicken, charred corn infused with chili and lime, and a medley of fresh vegetables and cheeses, all layered over fluffy rice for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken:
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 batch chicken marinade (recipe not provided)
Mexican Street Corn Salad:
- 2 cups grilled corn (approx. 3-4 cobs of corn)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
Other Rice Bowl Options + Toppings:
- 4 cups cooked rice of your choice (white, cilantro lime, brown, etc.)
- Black beans (canned or cooked)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
- Additional fresh cilantro leaves
- Sour cream
- 1-2 avocados, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Combine chicken marinade ingredients (recipe not provided) and marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Grill chicken: Heat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken breasts for 4-6 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing or cubing.
- Grill corn: Preheat grill to 450°F. Brush corn with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until lightly charred. Remove from grill and cut kernels off the cob.
- Prepare street corn salad: In a large bowl, mix grilled corn kernels, mayonnaise, feta, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, and cotija cheese. Stir well and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, street corn salad, and desired toppings like black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute dairy-free feta and cotija cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this dish great for meal prep.
- You can customize toppings based on your preferences, adding or reducing ingredients like cheese or avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg