Description

Craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal inspired by the bold tastes of Mexican street corn? Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your perfect dish! This colorful bowl combines juicy grilled chicken, smoky charred corn, creamy lime crema, and zesty toppings, all layered over fluffy rice. With black beans, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro, it’s a balanced, satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this recipe is beginner-friendly and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

For the Bowl

Cooked Rice (2 cups, white, brown, or cilantro-lime): Provides a hearty, neutral base to soak up flavors.
Chicken Breasts (2, grilled and sliced): Offer lean, tender protein with smoky grill notes.
Corn Kernels (1 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned): Add sweet, crunchy texture, charred for smoky flavor.
Black Beans (½ cup, drained and rinsed): Contribute protein, fiber, and earthy flavor.
Diced Red Onion (¼ cup): Provides sharp, crunchy bite.
Diced Tomatoes (¼ cup): Add juicy, fresh sweetness.
Crumbled Cotija Cheese (¼ cup): Delivers salty, tangy richness reminiscent of street corn.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (2 tbsp, for garnish): Infuses vibrant, herbaceous freshness.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used to char corn, adding richness.
Chili Powder (1 tsp): Brings mild heat and depth.
Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Adds smoky, warm flavor.
Cumin (½ tsp): Contributes earthy, aromatic notes.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances overall flavors.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle spice.

For the Lime Crema

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (½ cup): Creates a creamy, tangy base.
Lime Juice (from 1 lime): Adds bright, zesty acidity.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Infuses savory depth.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the crema’s flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Swap for grilled shrimp (cook 2–3 minutes per side), tofu, or portobello mushrooms for vegetarian (grill 4–5 minutes per side).
Rice: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro for different textures or low-carb options.
Corn: Replace with grilled zucchini or roasted sweet potatoes for a twist.
Cotija Cheese: Substitute with feta, queso fresco, or omit for dairy-free; nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Use vegan sour cream or cashew cream for dairy-free crema.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure spices and beans are gluten-free.
Add-Ins: Include avocado slices, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.

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Instructions

Char the Corn:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, thawed frozen, or drained canned) and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred.
- Season with 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir to coat and set aside.
- Beginner Tip: Let corn sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side to develop char; use a cast-iron skillet for best results.
Make the Lime Crema:
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp salt until smooth.
- Adjust lime juice or salt to taste; set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Beginner Tip: Whisk thoroughly for a smooth crema; add 1–2 tsp water for a thinner drizzle if desired.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime) among 2–4 bowls as the base.
- Layer each bowl with sliced grilled chicken (from 2 breasts), charred corn, ½ cup black beans, ¼ cup diced tomatoes, and ¼ cup diced red onion.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese over the top.
- Beginner Tip: Arrange toppings in sections for a colorful presentation; warm rice slightly if pre-cooked for better texture.
Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle each bowl with lime crema and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately, optionally with extra lime wedges or hot sauce on the side.
- Beginner Tip: Drizzle crema sparingly to avoid overpowering; use a spoon or piping bag for a neat presentation.

Cooking Tips

Corn Charring: Use high heat and minimal stirring to achieve a smoky char; fresh or frozen corn chars better than canned.
Chicken Prep: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder before grilling (5–6 minutes per side, 165°F or 74°C); slice thinly for easy eating.
Crema Consistency: Adjust with a splash of water or extra lime juice for a pourable texture; taste to balance tanginess and salt.
Rice Choice: Cilantro-lime rice (add 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro to cooked rice) enhances the street corn vibe; prepare in advance to save time.
Freshness: Dice tomatoes and onions just before assembling to maintain crunch; rinse black beans well to remove excess sodium.