Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups cooked rice (for serving); 2 lbs chicken breasts (sliced in half, to make thin filets); Seasonings (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper); 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh cut from cob or frozen); ½ of an onion diced onion; 1 small jalapeno (deveined and seeded, diced (optional)); ⅓ cup mayonnaise ((80g)); ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream ((120g)); 2 ½ teaspoons tajin (or more, to taste); 1 small lime (juice from); 2-3 Tablespoons milk (to thin sauce); fine sea salt (pinch); 1 ripe avocado (chopped); ½ cup cotija cheese (shredded); ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lime cut into wedges

Introduction to Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Looking for a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner? Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are here to save the day! Bursting with vibrant flavors, these bowls combine juicy seasoned chicken, charred corn, and a creamy tajín-lime sauce to create a meal that feels both gourmet and comfortingly familiar.

One of the standout features of these rice bowls is their incredible versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, they can be easily customized to suit your taste buds. You can switch up the protein, add your favorite veggies, or experiment with toppings like avocado and cotija cheese for that extra zing. Plus, the entire meal comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy young professionals (and those who might just want a little extra time on the couch).

Speaking of efficiency, have you ever tried one-pot recipes? They can save you a ton of cleanup time, letting you savor your meal without worry. By incorporating bold Mexican-inspired flavors, Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls bring excitement to your dinner table, leaving you wanting more. So roll up your sleeves and let's get cooking!

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Creating the ultimate street corn chicken rice bowls starts with selecting flavorful ingredients that deliver on taste and texture. Let’s break down what you need for each component.

Essential Ingredients for the Chicken

For the chicken, you'll need:

2 lbs chicken breasts: Slice them in half for quick cooking.
Seasonings: A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper is essential for that zesty kick.
2 Tablespoons olive oil: This will help achieve that perfect golden crust when cooking.

These flavorful ingredients set the foundation for the dish.

Key Components for the Street Corn

The street corn is a star in itself! Gather the following:

2 ½ cups corn kernels: Use fresh corn for the best flavor, or opt for frozen corn if that’s what you have on hand.
½ of an onion, diced: This adds great texture and sweetness.
1 small jalapeño, deveined and seeded (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat!

These elements combine to create a deliciously charred corn mixture that complements the chicken beautifully.

Sauce Ingredients and Toppings

To tie everything together, prepare the tangy sauce with these ingredients:

⅓ cup mayonnaise: Ideal for creaminess.
½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream: Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
2 ½ teaspoons Tajín: This gives a zesty kick.
Juice from 1 small lime: Freshness is key!
2-3 Tablespoons milk: To thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.
Pinch of fine sea salt: Enhances the flavors.

For toppings, don’t forget these essentials:

1 ripe avocado, chopped
½ cup cotija cheese, shredded
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges for that finishing touch!

With these ingredients combined, you'll create vibrant, mouthwatering street corn chicken rice bowls that are sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking!

Preparing Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are a perfect blend of flavor and ease, making them an ideal dish for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious meal step by step, ensuring your dinner is both satisfying and tailored to your taste preferences.

Prepare the sauce

The creamy tajín-lime sauce is what takes these street corn chicken rice bowls over the top! In a mixing bowl, combine:

⅓ cup mayonnaise
½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
2 ½ teaspoons tajín (feel free to tweak according to your spice tolerance)
Juice from 1 small lime
2-3 tablespoons milk to thin the sauce to your desired consistency
A pinch of fine sea salt

Whisk all these ingredients together until smooth and creamy, then set the sauce aside while you prepare the rest of the bowls. The sauce not only brings a burst of flavor but also ties all the elements together beautifully.

Season and cook the chicken

Next, let's focus on the chicken. Begin by slicing 2 lbs of chicken breasts in half to create thin filets. Season both sides generously with:

Chili powder
Cumin
Paprika
Garlic powder
Oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the street corn mixture. Juicy and well-seasoned chicken is key to elevating your street corn chicken rice bowls.

Make the street corn mixture

In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, then throw in 2 ½ cups of corn kernels (fresh or frozen is fine) along with half a diced onion and one small diced jalapeño for some kick (optional). Turn the heat to high, cover the skillet to retain moisture, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the corn is charred and tender. Stir in half of the prepared sauce for a creamy street corn mixture that complements the chicken wonderfully.

Assemble the rice bowls

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom of your bowl. Then, layer on the juicy chicken and a heaping scoop of that delicious street corn mixture. For the finishing touch, add toppings like chopped avocado, shredded cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. A wedge of lime on the side for squeezing is a must! Don’t forget to drizzle a little extra sauce on top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Serve and enjoy

These street corn chicken rice bowls are best enjoyed fresh! Gather around the table with family or friends and dig in. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Variations on Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Vegetarian Option

Craving a meatless meal? Simply swap the chicken for grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or even black beans for protein. You can enhance flavors with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to capture that delicious smoky essence. Feel free to add extra charred corn to maintain that signature street corn vibe while keeping it fully vegetarian!

Spicy Kick Variation

If you’re looking to turn up the heat in your street corn chicken rice bowls, consider adding more jalapeños or even some chili flakes to the corn mixture. You could also mix in some sriracha or hot sauce into your creamy sauce for an extra spicy flavor burst. These simple tweaks will surely satisfy those spice cravings and leave your taste buds dancing!

Explore more variations like these on cooking sites such as Bon Appétit to keep your meals fresh and exciting.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Best Practices for Cooking Chicken

To achieve perfectly juicy chicken for your street corn chicken rice bowls, start by slicing the chicken breasts in half to create thinner filets. This ensures quicker cooking and more even seasoning. Season generously with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for a flavor punch. Cooking over medium heat prevents the chicken from drying out; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Let it rest on a plate before slicing for maximum juiciness.

Tips for Perfecting the Street Corn

For truly delightful street corn, use fresh corn cut straight from the cob when in season, or opt for frozen corn outside of summer. Sauté the corn and onion on high heat to promote charring; this caramelization enhances flavor, mimicking traditional Mexican street corn. Don't forget to mix in a portion of the creamy sauce towards the end for added richness, and feel free to adjust the tajín to your heat preference!

Serving suggestions for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Pairing with sides

To elevate your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls, consider serving them with light, refreshing sides like a simple cucumber salad or black bean corn salsa. These sides not only complement the hearty bowl but can also add more color and nutrient variety to your meal. If you're looking for a crunch, some tortilla chips dusted with lime and salt are a fantastic accompaniment!

Creative serving ideas

For a fun twist, try serving your street corn chicken rice bowls in taco shells or over crispy lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option. You could even set up a DIY bar with toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and extra lime wedges to let everyone customize their bowls. This approach not only makes your meal interactive but also encourages creativity!

Time Breakdown for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Preparation Time
Getting your ingredients ready will only take about 10 minutes! Gather your chicken, corn, and seasonings to streamline the process.

Cooking Time
Cooking everything to perfection will take around 15 minutes. You’ll be amazed how quickly the flavors come together!

Total Time
The entire process, from prep to table, only takes 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special—and it’s great for meal prep too!

For more quick recipes, check out this collection of fast weeknight meals. You deserve delicious food without the fuss!

Nutritional Facts for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Calories per serving

Each generous serving of these delicious street corn chicken rice bowls contains approximately 679 calories. This makes for a satisfying meal that will keep you fueled throughout your busy day.

Protein content

Packed with 47 grams of protein, this dish is perfect for those who prioritize a high-protein diet. The juicy chicken and creamy toppings are not only delicious, but they also help support muscle repair and growth.

Key nutrients

These bowls offer more than just protein! Each serving provides important nutrients, including:

Fiber: 6g, aiding digestion
Vitamin A: 494IU, essential for eye health
Calcium: 158mg, promoting strong bones

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of these street corn chicken rice bowls, knowing you're nourishing your body with quality ingredients. Want more information on healthy eating? Check out the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for tips and resources!

FAQ about Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works wonderfully in these street corn chicken rice bowls. Simply shred or cube the chicken and warm it up before adding it to your bowl. This can save time and reduce food waste, making your meals even more efficient!

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese isn't available, you can use feta or queso fresco as alternatives. They both provide a similar salty tang that complements the flavors of the bowl beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also work in a pinch!

How do I make these bowls in advance?

To make your street corn chicken rice bowls ahead of time, cook the chicken and street corn mixture and store them separately from the rice and toppings in airtight containers. This allows you to grab and assemble the bowls easily during the week. For best results, consume within 3-4 days and reheat everything before serving.

Conclusion on Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

These street corn chicken rice bowls are not just a feast for the eyes, but a delightful blend of flavors that’ll make any weeknight dinner special! With simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll find this dish to be a go-to option. Enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!