Name: Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp onion powder; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sea salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1.5 cups long-grain white rice; 2.5 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp olive oil or unsalted butter (optional); 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed); 1 tbsp olive oil (for corn); 0.25 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro; 0.5 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or Feta); 1 tsp chili powder; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp sea salt; 0.125 tsp black pepper; 1 large ripe avocado, sliced or diced; Extra fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Hot sauce (optional)

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Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, zesty Elote-inspired corn topping. Get this simple recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. (159 characters)

Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fresh and satisfying dish that brings the classic flavors of Mexican street food, Elote, right to your table. This recipe delivers a delicious, simple weeknight dinner featuring tender marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty, creamy corn topping. It is the perfect blend of savory and tangy tastes.

Key Takeaways

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for a deep flavor.
Charring the corn is crucial for the authentic street food taste.
Cotija cheese and lime juice create the creamy, zesty sauce.
Allow the cooked rice and chicken to rest before serving.

An Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is prepared by marinating and cooking chicken, cooking white rice, and mixing charred corn with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Layer the rice, chicken, and corn, then garnish with avocado and cilantro.

Key Takeaways

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for a deep flavor.
Charring the corn is crucial for the authentic street food taste.
Cotija cheese and lime juice create the creamy, zesty sauce.
Allow the cooked rice and chicken to rest before serving.

Fast Answer

Ingredients for Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To make this flavorful meal, you need to gather three main sets of ingredients: the chicken and its marinade, the rice, and the corn topping components. Starting with fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results for your dinner. Always check your pantry first to see what spices you might already have on hand before heading to the store.

The chicken is the core of your bowl, and the marinade is simple but crucial, using common spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. These ingredients give the chicken a savory, slightly smoky kick. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat in your meal.

Key Marinade Spices and Citrus

The marinade relies heavily on a vibrant mix of dried spices combined with fresh lime juice and olive oil. Using both garlic and onion powder ensures a deep savory base that coats every piece of chicken evenly. The acid in the lime juice not only adds a bright flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat slightly as it rests.

You can substitute the lime juice with lemon juice in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Remember that these spices should fully coat the chicken before it goes into the refrigerator. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat, guaranteeing a flavorful bite in every strip of chicken.

Building the Creamy Corn Topping

The street corn topping, or Esquites, is what truly defines this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. The foundation of the sauce is a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt, which provides the necessary creaminess and tang. We add fresh lime juice, chili powder, and Cotija cheese for the signature Elote flavor according to Wikipedia.

Cotija is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that is essential here, but crumbled Feta cheese makes a good substitute if needed. Be generous with the fresh cilantro, as its bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the creamy sauce. This topping should be mixed gently once the corn is charred and cooled slightly.

Preparing the Flavorful Chicken Marinade

Properly marinating the chicken is the single most important step for achieving a rich, deep flavor in your bowl. The spices are all whisked together with olive oil and lime juice to create a thick paste that clings to the meat. Ensure that you mix everything thoroughly to distribute the salt and spices evenly before adding the protein.

Once the marinade is ready, you should add your chicken and use tongs or clean hands to rub the mixture into every crevice. If you are using thin cuts of chicken, place them in a resealable bag or a covered glass dish. This preparation step sets the stage for a wonderful dinner experience later on.

Selecting the Best Chicken Cut

The recipe suggests using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and your choice will slightly change the final outcome. Thighs are naturally fattier and remain incredibly tender and moist, making them very forgiving to cook when making dinners.

Chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily, but they are great for slicing and are often preferred for a light meal. If you use breasts, slicing them horizontally or pounding them to an even ¾-inch thickness will help them cook faster and more uniformly, preventing dryness.

Marinating Time for Maximum Flavor

For this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, you should marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, which is enough time to let the surface flavor penetrate. However, for a truly intense flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight, for up to 12 hours. The longer soak time yields a more savory, spiced final product.

If you plan to marinate for a longer period, it is best to use a non-reactive container, such as glass or ceramic, to avoid any metallic taste. Do not marinate the chicken for much longer than 12 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the proteins too much, making the texture slightly mushy.

Choosing the Best Cooking Method for Chicken

You have a few excellent options for cooking your marinated chicken, all of which yield tender, delicious results for your bowl. The key is to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) without overcooking. A meat thermometer is your best friend here, guaranteeing juicy chicken every time.

Whether you choose to pan-fry, bake, or grill, always make sure the chicken is cooked in a single layer to avoid steaming. Overcrowding the pan or sheet means the chicken won’t brown correctly. Cook it in batches if needed to maintain that beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Grilling versus Pan-Frying for Char

Grilling is a fantastic option as it adds a smoky char that complements the street corn flavor perfectly, mirroring the taste of Elote served on the cob. The high heat of a grill quickly sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Pan-frying, however, is the quickest indoor method and great for quick appetizers.

When pan-frying, use a hot skillet and cook the chicken undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a deep brown crust. This crust provides a similar textural contrast to the char from the grill. Both methods are delicious, so pick the one that works best for your kitchen setup.

Why Resting the Cooked Chicken Matters

After your chicken reaches the proper internal temperature, transferring it to a cutting board and tenting it with foil is a non-negotiable step. This resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and redistribute the juices throughout the meat. If you skip this step, all the moisture will run out onto your board when you slice it.

Resting the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes ensures that every bite of meat in your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will be succulent. Once rested, remember to slice the chicken against the grain, which further helps to maintain its tender texture and makes it easier to chew.

Cooking Fluffy Rice for Your Bowl

A great rice bowl starts with perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that provides a neutral base for the flavorful toppings. Long-grain white rice is recommended here because its grains remain distinct and don’t clump together easily. You want a light, airy texture that absorbs the moisture from the street corn topping without becoming soggy.

Using low-sodium chicken broth instead of plain water is an easy way to infuse your rice with an extra layer of savory flavor. A touch of oil or butter added to the cooking water also helps prevent the grains from sticking to each other as they expand and cook in the pan.

Rinsing Rice for the Perfect Texture

Before cooking, rinsing the rice under cold water is a small step that makes a big difference in texture. Rinsing removes excess starch from the surface of the grains, which is what often causes rice to become sticky or gummy. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, usually for about one minute.

This process ensures that your rice grains separate beautifully when they are fluffed. The goal is to have distinct, tender grains rather than a solid mass of sticky rice at the bottom of your bowl, giving your meal the lightness it needs.

Simmering and Resting Techniques

The standard method for cooking white rice involves bringing the liquid to a boil, then immediately reducing the heat to the lowest setting. The tight-fitting lid is essential as it traps the steam, which gently cooks the rice. You should not lift the lid during the 15-minute simmering time.

The crucial second step is to remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the grains to fully absorb any remaining moisture and steam themselves completely. Only then should you fluff the rice with a fork before serving it.

Creating the Zesty Street Corn Mixture

The creamy corn mixture is the star component of the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, providing the characteristic flavor of Mexican street corn. Start by getting a good char on your corn kernels, as this adds a smoky depth that can’t be achieved with plain boiled corn. This charring is simple and quick to do in a hot skillet.

Once the corn is charred, you transfer it to a mixing bowl and immediately fold in the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients. The slight residual heat from the corn helps the sauce components blend together smoothly. This mixture should be vibrant, chunky, and irresistible once complete.

Charring the Corn Kernels

Whether you use fresh or frozen corn, ensure the kernels are relatively dry before adding them to the hot pan. A little olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat is all you need. You want the corn to sizzle and develop dark brown spots quickly, not steam.

Try to resist stirring the corn too frequently during the first few minutes, which allows the kernels to sit long enough to char properly. Stirring only occasionally ensures that you get that beautiful textural contrast between the slightly crisp, charred parts and the tender kernels.

The Role of Cotija Cheese and Lime

These two ingredients are the heart of the street corn’s zesty, savory profile. Cotija cheese is a firm, salty cow’s milk cheese that crumbles beautifully and doesn’t fully melt into the sauce, giving the topping texture. It provides a key salty, savory balance to the sweetness of the corn.

Fresh lime juice adds essential brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream. You should always use fresh lime juice for the best results, as the bottled variety often lacks the necessary tang. Feel free to add a little more lime at the end if you like a brighter finish find more on Cotija here.

Assembling Your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Now that all your components are ready—fluffy rice, sliced marinated chicken, and the creamy street corn mixture—it’s time to put your bowl together. Serving these bowls is simple and allows everyone at the table to enjoy a complete, balanced meal. The presentation is naturally appealing due to the vibrant colors of the corn, cilantro, and avocado.

You can pre-assemble all the bowls right before serving, or you can present the ingredients buffet-style so people can customize their own portions. Either way, make sure to have plenty of extra garnishes on hand, like lime wedges, avocado, and hot sauce, for personal customization.

Layering the Components Correctly

Start your bowl with a generous foundation of the fluffy white rice spooned into the bottom of each serving bowl. Next, add the warm, sliced chicken on top of the rice, making sure it is easily accessible. This provides a clean layer separation before adding the creamy topping.

The final and most exciting layer is the creamy street corn mixture, which should be spooned generously over the chicken and rice. Garnish with slices of fresh avocado, which adds a cool, creamy contrast, and a sprinkle of extra cilantro and chili powder. A small wedge of lime on the side finishes the presentation beautifully. You can see great plating ideas on our soups category.

The Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful way to enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and full of fresh, vibrant flavors. This recipe succeeds because of the balanced contrast between the savory, spiced chicken and the tangy, creamy corn topping. It is an excellent choice for a weeknight when you want something comforting but exciting to eat. Visit us on Tumblr for more quick meal ideas.

You can easily adapt this bowl to suit different dietary needs; for example, swap the chicken for black beans or seasoned tofu to create a vegetarian version. Regardless of how you serve it, this street corn-inspired dish is sure to become a regular, much-loved item in your home cooking rotation. Enjoy the wonderful taste!