Smoky Charred Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta

Crafting a zesty charred corn chicken rice bowl brings vibrant flavors to your dinner table.

Kernels caramelize beautifully when kissed by high heat, creating depth and complexity.

Sweet corn pairs perfectly with tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Fragrant rice serves as a delicious canvas for these bold ingredients.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Bright herbs and a tangy sauce add fresh, exciting dimensions to this simple yet satisfying meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this colorful, nourishing dish.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty flavors from chili powder, cumin, and paprika that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish.
• Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solution: One-skillet cooking method makes preparation simple, reducing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Versatile bowl allows easy personalization with extra cheese, cilantro, or lime, making it perfect for families with different taste preferences.
• Balanced Nutritional Punch: Combines protein-rich chicken, hearty rice, and sweet corn for a complete meal that keeps everyone feeling full and energized.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that provides a hearty and flavorful base for the rice bowl.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a tangy and salty flavor to the dish.

• Corn: Sweet and charred vegetable that brings a classic street corn element to the recipe.
• Rice: Fluffy and neutral grain that serves as the foundation of the rice bowl.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help sauté chicken and corn with rich flavor.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that provide depth and warmth to the chicken and corn seasoning.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a tangy and rich street corn dressing.

• Cilantro, Lime Juice: Bright and zesty ingredients that add freshness and acidity to the dish.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Roast the Corn

Use the same skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Add corn and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Corn Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Chili powder
• Cotija cheese
• Lime juice
• Chopped cilantro

Stir the ingredients until they create a smooth, tangy mixture.

Fold in the roasted corn.

Step 4: Build the Bowl

Scoop rice into serving bowls.

Layer with seasoned chicken and top generously with the street corn mixture. Sprinkle additional cheese and cilantro if desired.

Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Tips for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Dust chicken with spices evenly for maximum flavor penetration, ensuring each bite is packed with zesty southwestern taste.
• Sauté corn at medium-high heat to create perfect caramelized edges that enhance the overall sweetness and smokiness of the dish.
• Sprinkle extra cotija cheese just before serving to maintain its crumbly texture and provide delightful salty bursts.
• Use day-old rice or briefly toast rice grains before cooking to prevent mushiness and create a more separated, fluffy texture.
• Grate fresh lime zest over the final dish for an extra citrusy aroma that elevates the entire street corn chicken rice bowl.

Flavor Options for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Vegetarian Corn Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or black beans, maintaining the same seasoning and street corn mixture for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Bowl: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, and incorporate diced bell peppers to create a more intense, fiery flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Bowl: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with riced cauliflower, keep the original street corn and chicken recipe, and reduce overall carbohydrate content for keto-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Pair this street corn chicken rice bowl with a crisp, cold Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo to complement the spicy and tangy flavors.

Serve a bright, zesty lime margarita alongside the bowl to enhance the citrusy notes from the lime juice and add a refreshing kick.

Add a side of creamy avocado salsa or guacamole to cool down the spicy chicken and provide a smooth, rich contrast to the dish’s bold seasonings.

Choose a light, slightly acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cotija cheese and balance the corn’s sweetness.

Storage Instructions for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Store the chicken, street corn, and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.
• Gently reheat the chicken and corn in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Freeze components separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best quality and taste.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook quickly and absorb the spices well, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the chili powder amount or add diced jalapeños to the corn mixture for extra heat. You can also include hot sauce when serving.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and any additional condiments are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s compatibility.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with black beans or grilled tofu. Season the protein alternative with the same spice blend to maintain the original flavor profile.

Charred Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Charred corn chicken rice bowl delivers a symphony of southwestern flavors, blending smoky grilled corn with tender seasoned chicken. Warm rice, zesty toppings, and a drizzle of creamy sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams chicken breast, diced

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Corn and Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)

Garnish:

• Extra lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature. Add diced chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and golden brown. Transfer chicken to a separate plate and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add corn kernels. Roast corn for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.
4. Create a creamy street corn dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl.
5. Fold roasted corn into the prepared dressing, ensuring each kernel is evenly coated with the zesty mixture.
6. Distribute cooked rice evenly across serving bowls as the base foundation.
7. Layer seasoned chicken over rice, spreading it gently across the surface.
8. Spoon the street corn mixture generously on top of the chicken, allowing the vibrant colors and textures to shine.
9. Garnish with additional cotija cheese and fresh cilantro if desired.
10. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for diners to squeeze additional citrus flavor as preferred.

Notes

• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Customize the chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your palate.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or black beans for a versatile dish that caters to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Corn Charring Technique: Achieve perfect street corn by ensuring high heat and minimal stirring, allowing natural caramelization and smoky flavor development.
• Healthier Modification: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce cheese quantity for a lighter, more nutritious version without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg