Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the bold flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote) to your table in a hearty, filling bowl. The chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy lime and spice mixture, adding deep flavor and juiciness. The street corn topping, with its creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese, is rich and refreshing with a touch of heat from chili powder. The rice serves as the perfect base to bring all the ingredients together in a satisfying, one-bowl meal. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or a fun, shareable meal, this street corn chicken rice bowl won’t disappoint!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping:
1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible – or frozen)
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup sour cream (save half to drizzle on top)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled, plus extra for garnish)
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lime, cut into wedges

For the Rice and Assembly:
3 cups cooked rice
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
2. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat, or grill it, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is browned and crispy. This will take about 6-7 minutes per side on the stovetop or 6-8 minutes per side on the grill.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

For the Street Corn Topping:

1. If using frozen corn, thaw it and grill it in a pan or over an open flame for added flavor. If grilling isn’t an option, you can use regular sautéed or boiled corn.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the grilled corn, thinly sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the corn evenly with the creamy dressing.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.

For the Rice and Assembly:

1. Prepare the rice as per your preferred method (stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot).
2. In each serving bowl, add a generous scoop of rice as the base.
3. Top with sliced chicken, a generous portion of the street corn topping, and a drizzle of sour cream.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra cotija cheese, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the street corn topping or the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
• Use Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the mayonnaise you use is gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to check).
• Add Avocado: Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy texture and extra freshness.
• Switch the Rice: You can swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken, street corn topping, and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reheat the street corn topping separately in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise to keep it creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of grilled corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn; just be sure to sauté or grill it for a slightly smoky flavor.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the rice, chicken, and street corn topping ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowl just before serving.

3. Can I use a different cheese besides cotija?

If you can’t find cotija, crumbled feta or Parmesan will work as good substitutes for a similar texture and flavor.

4. Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with grilled vegetables, tofu, or beans.

5. Can I substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but keep in mind that the breast meat may be less juicy. Be sure not to overcook it to maintain tenderness.

6. Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild level of spice from the chili powder. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great option if you prefer a whole grain. It will add more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.

8. Can I add beans to this rice bowl?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans would make a great addition to this bowl for added protein and texture.

9. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), then let it rest before slicing.

10. Can I make the street corn topping spicier?

Yes, to add extra heat, you can include diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the street corn topping.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice in one bowl. The combination of tangy, spicy, and creamy elements makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting textures in this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal!

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