Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Flavorful and Easy Meal

Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced; 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced; 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 whole avocado, sliced; 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 whole lime, juiced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese); None to taste olive oil; None to taste salt and pepper

October 22, 2025December 8, 2024 by Lillian

Are you ready for a tasty adventure? This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your new go-to meal. Packed with flavors and simple to make, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. You’ll learn how to cook juicy chicken, char sweet corn, and whip up a creamy lime mayo. Plus, I’ll share tips for customizations and variations to fit your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious dish!

Why I Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: This recipe combines vibrant ingredients like sweet corn, bell peppers, and avocado for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it versatile for any occasion.
Healthy and Satisfying: This bowl is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, ensuring it’s both nutritious and filling.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

Here are the key components for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:

– 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

– 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1 avocado, sliced

– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

– 1 lime, juiced

– 1 tsp chili powder

– 1 tsp cumin

– 1/2 tsp garlic powder

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)

– Olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

For optional ingredients, consider these customizations:

– Add jalapeños for heat.

– Use different cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

– Add black beans for protein and fiber.

– Top with green onions for extra crunch.

These ingredients make a bowl full of flavor. You can mix and match to make it your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To make the chicken good, start with a hot skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken thighs with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a kick. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir often. You want it golden brown. When it’s done, take it off the heat and set it aside.

Cooking the Corn and Vegetables

For that delicious charred corn flavor, use the same skillet. Add sweet corn and red onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the corn heats up and gets a bit charred. This step adds a nice depth of flavor. Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. You’ll want these veggies to stay crisp, so don’t overcook them. Once done, remove them from heat.

Making the Lime Mayo Sauce

To create a creamy sauce, take a small bowl. Mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with the juice of one lime. Stir until it’s smooth. This sauce adds a refreshing zing to the bowl. Don’t forget to taste it! Add a pinch of salt and pepper as needed.

Assembling the Bowl

Now comes the fun part: assembling the bowl! Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom. This is your base. Top it with the sautéed chicken, corn, and bell pepper mixture. For a pop of color, add sliced avocado on top. Drizzle the lime mayo all over. Finish with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. This gives it a fresh look and taste.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Cooking Times

Cooking times may change based on your stove type or the chicken size. For a standard gas stove, chicken thighs cook well in about 8-10 minutes. If your stove is electric, it may take a bit longer. Always check the chicken for a golden color. If you use larger pieces, add a few extra minutes. Make sure the internal temp reaches 165°F for safety.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, consider adding more spices. Try smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. You can also mix in some fresh lime zest for brightness. For toppings, crunchy tortilla strips or diced jalapeños can add texture. You can swap the cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco for different tastes. Each addition can make your bowl unique.

Visual Appeal

For a restaurant-style look, layer your bowl with care. Start with rice as a base, then pile on the chicken mixture. Arrange avocado slices neatly on top. Drizzle the lime mayo in a zigzag for flair. Finally, sprinkle cilantro and cheese evenly to make it pop. A colorful presentation will delight your eyes and appetite.

Pro Tips

Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken thighs in lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness.
Use Fresh Corn: If available, use fresh corn for the best flavor and texture. Grilling the corn before adding it to the skillet adds a delightful smoky taste.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream for a personal touch and varied flavors.
Make it Veggie-Friendly: Substitute the chicken with grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version while keeping the same spices for flavor.

Variations

Protein Swaps

You can swap chicken for many proteins. Try shrimp or beef for a new taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Pork works well too, adding a savory kick. Each protein gives a unique flavor, enhancing the dish.

Vegan/Vegetarian Modifications

To make this dish meatless, skip the chicken. Use chickpeas or black beans instead. They add protein and fiber. For the sauce, use vegan mayo or cashew cream. This creates a creamy texture without dairy. You can still enjoy all the vibrant flavors.

Regional Flavors

You can change the spices to fit your taste. Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Try adding fresh herbs like oregano or dill for freshness. You can also use different types of cheese, like queso fresco. Each change brings a new twist to your bowl.

Storage Information

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can keep your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure it cools before you store it. Use a tight container to keep it fresh and avoid spills.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, wait until the bowl is cool. Separate the chicken and veggies from the rice. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. This helps keep the texture right. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips

Reheat your bowl gently to keep all the flavors. Use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This will avoid drying it out. If using a skillet, add a splash of water and cover. Cook on low heat until warm. Enjoy the great taste!

FAQs

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, you can meal prep this dish. Meal prepping saves time and makes meals easy. Start by cooking the rice and chicken in bulk. Store each item separately in airtight containers. Keep the corn and veggies together. This helps avoid sogginess. You can assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat. Just heat up the rice and chicken. Add the toppings fresh for the best taste.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you cannot find cotija cheese, use feta cheese as a great alternative. Feta has a similar texture and taste. You could also try ricotta salata or even queso fresco. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cheese that crumbles well. Nutritional yeast is another tasty choice, adding a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To make this dish milder, reduce the chili powder. You can also skip the garlic powder. Adding sour cream can cool down the heat too. For more spice, add extra chili powder or even fresh jalapeños. You can mix in hot sauce at the end for a kick. Adjust according to your taste buds!

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and fun dish. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to enhance your meal. You can easily customize it with different proteins or go meatless. Storing leftovers is simple too. Remember, the secret to great taste lies in the details. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own. Your kitchen can be a place of creativity and delicious meal

$Here are the key components for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: - 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, juiced - 1 tsp chili powder - 1 tsp cumin - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese) - Olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste For optional ingredients, consider these customizations: - Add jalapeños for heat. - Use different cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. - Add black beans for protein and fiber. - Top with green onions for extra crunch. These ingredients make a bowl full of flavor. You can mix and match to make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the chicken good, start with a hot skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken thighs with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a kick. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir often. You want it golden brown. When it's done, take it off the heat and set it aside. For that delicious charred corn flavor, use the same skillet. Add sweet corn and red onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the corn heats up and gets a bit charred. This step adds a nice depth of flavor. Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. You'll want these veggies to stay crisp, so don’t overcook them. Once done, remove them from heat. To create a creamy sauce, take a small bowl. Mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with the juice of one lime. Stir until it’s smooth. This sauce adds a refreshing zing to the bowl. Don’t forget to taste it! Add a pinch of salt and pepper as needed. Now comes the fun part: assembling the bowl! Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom. This is your base. Top it with the sautéed chicken, corn, and bell pepper mixture. For a pop of color, add sliced avocado on top. Drizzle the lime mayo all over. Finish with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. This gives it a fresh look and taste. Cooking times may change based on your stove type or the chicken size. For a standard gas stove, chicken thighs cook well in about 8-10 minutes. If your stove is electric, it may take a bit longer. Always check the chicken for a golden color. If you use larger pieces, add a few extra minutes. Make sure the internal temp reaches 165°F for safety. To boost flavor, consider adding more spices. Try smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. You can also mix in some fresh lime zest for brightness. For toppings, crunchy tortilla strips or diced jalapeños can add texture. You can swap the cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco for different tastes. Each addition can make your bowl unique. For a restaurant-style look, layer your bowl with care. Start with rice as a base, then pile on the chicken mixture. Arrange avocado slices neatly on top. Drizzle the lime mayo in a zigzag for flair. Finally, sprinkle cilantro and cheese evenly to make it pop. A colorful presentation will delight your eyes and appetite. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken thighs in lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness. Use Fresh Corn: If available, use fresh corn for the best flavor and texture. Grilling the corn before adding it to the skillet adds a delightful smoky taste. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream for a personal touch and varied flavors. Make it Veggie-Friendly: Substitute the chicken with grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version while keeping the same spices for flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for many proteins. Try shrimp or beef for a new taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Pork works well too, adding a savory kick. Each protein gives a unique flavor, enhancing the dish. To make this dish meatless, skip the chicken. Use chickpeas or black beans instead. They add protein and fiber. For the sauce, use vegan mayo or cashew cream. This creates a creamy texture without dairy. You can still enjoy all the vibrant flavors. You can change the spices to fit your taste. Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Try adding fresh herbs like oregano or dill for freshness. You can also use different types of cheese, like queso fresco. Each change brings a new twist to your bowl. You can keep your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure it cools before you store it. Use a tight container to keep it fresh and avoid spills. To freeze, wait until the bowl is cool. Separate the chicken and veggies from the rice. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. This helps keep the texture right. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat your bowl gently to keep all the flavors. Use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This will avoid drying it out. If using a skillet, add a splash of water and cover. Cook on low heat until warm. Enjoy the great taste! Yes, you can meal prep this dish. Meal prepping saves time and makes meals easy. Start by cooking the rice and chicken in bulk. Store each item separately in airtight containers. Keep the corn and veggies together. This helps avoid sogginess. You can assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat. Just heat up the rice and chicken. Add the toppings fresh for the best taste. If you cannot find cotija cheese, use feta cheese as a great alternative. Feta has a similar texture and taste. You could also try ricotta salata or even queso fresco. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cheese that crumbles well. Nutritional yeast is another tasty choice, adding a cheesy flavor without dairy. To make this dish milder, reduce the chili powder. You can also skip the garlic powder. Adding sour cream can cool down the heat too. For more spice, add extra chili powder or even fresh jalapeños. You can mix in hot sauce at the end for a kick. Adjust according to your taste buds! The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and fun dish. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to enhance your meal. You can easily customize it with different proteins or go meatless. Storing leftovers is simple too. Remember, the secret to great taste lies in the details. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own. Your kitchen can be a place of creativity and delicious meals.$