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I get hooked on this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl every time fresh corn hits the shelves All those creamy cheesy charred bits in one bowl just take me straight to sunny, laid-back days You’ll have it fixed in no time and everyone clears their plates in my house
I first made this after a summer party Family had cooked up too much chicken and corn so I tossed them into lunch and everybody raved about how tasty it was Now whenever I eat this, those happy memories come rushing back
Delicious Ingredients
- Salt and pepper: give it a final little kick Taste and sprinkle until it hits your sweet spot
- Fresh cilantro: for a pop of green and flavor make sure it’s nice and leafy, no wilting
- Smoked paprika: delivers a sweet barbecue vibe plus bold color check for a fresh jar for more oomph
- Chili powder: brings some cozy heat and color pick a blend that packs a punch
- Lime: juice keeps things bright and a bit tangy always go for fresh limes if you can snag one
- Cotija cheese, crumbled: salty and crumbly and makes every bite better If you’re out of cotija, feta’s a solid swap—just make sure it’s fresh
- Sour cream: gives a tasty tang and stops things from feeling too heavy The thicker the sour cream, the silkier it is
- Mayonnaise: adds creamy magic to the corn go for good-quality mayo for top taste
- Yellow corn, grilled and cut off the cob: sweet bits with toasted edges grilling’s best but canned corn saves the day if needed
- White rice, cooked: fluffy and mild and soaks up everything leftover rice is just fine too
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: juicy and quick to grill a shake of spices and you’re set—look for plump ones
Step-by-Step Made Easy
- Finish with Toppings:
- Before you dig in, shower on fresh cilantro and lots of crumbled cotija Love lemons? Toss in a lime wedge Or add jalapeno slices if you like heat
- Bowl Assembly:
- Spoon hot rice into deep bowls then lay over sliced chicken Pile on the creamy corn mixture next so every forkful is loaded with flavor
- Mix Up the Corn:
- Tip your corn into a big bowl and add both mayonnaise and sour cream Stir it all up Squeeze in your lime, sprinkle in the cilantro, toss in half the cheese, and season as you go until the taste pops
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper Grill or sear in a hot skillet—about 6 to 8 minutes per side Leave it alone to get a really nice crust When it’s done, let it rest a few minutes before cutting so it doesn’t go dry
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Cotija is my top pick here It crumbles up easily and that hit of salt is awesome I’ll never forget one BBQ where everyone just kept passing around the cheese and kept cracking up about how much they were stacking on their bowls
Stay Fresh Tips
Tuck leftovers in the fridge for three days tops If possible, stash the corn, chicken, and rice in different containers to keep everything from getting mushy When you’re hungry again, splash a bit of water over chicken and rice before warming up and top with cold corn for a great mix
Switch It Up
Feeling adventurous? Use quinoa or brown rice for nuttiness and fiber Rotisserie chicken saves so much time Vegan friends can throw in plant-based mayo, cheese, and sour cream and it’s just as tasty
Serving Inspiration
Works great for lunch or dinner Toss in avocado or leafy greens for some extra color Want some bite? Pickled onions or jalapenos are awesome My kids always fight over who gets more tortilla chips to scoop up the last bits
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Classic Street Corn Flair
This bowl spins off elote—Mexico’s well-known street corn Usually covered in mayo, spices, cheese, and fresh lime on the cob This dish bundles all those flavors together in one bowl for easy eating anytime (grill or not)
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use canned corn instead of grilled?
Absolutely! Just drain your canned corn and toss it in the skillet for that smokey feel if that’s what you want.
- → What cheese can replace cotija?
Go for feta if you’re out of cotija. It’s salty and crumbly, so it works like a charm.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Totally! Get your parts ready ahead of time and simply mix ‘em when you’re ready—no stress at all.
- → How can I make this bowl spicier?
If you like things hot, slice up some fresh jalapeños, splash hot sauce, or stir in chili powder with your chicken or corn.
- → What other grains can I use besides white rice?
Brown rice or quinoa are both easy swaps and bring a different twist to the bowl.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yep—try steak, tofu, or shrimp instead if that’s what you’re craving. It’ll turn out just as tasty.