This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fun mix of sweet corn, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice. It’s colorful, quick to make, and packed with flavor that makes you want more!
I love how this bowl brings summer vibes to any dinner! Plus, it’s great for busy nights—just toss everything together and enjoy a tasty meal in no time. 🌽🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: I recommend using white rice for this dish because it’s fluffy and light. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice or quinoa can work great too, although they may change the cooking time and texture.
Street Corn: This recipe shines with the sweet, charred flavor of street corn, but if you can’t find it, canned corn works just fine. Just sauté it a bit to get some caramelization for better flavor.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija adds a lovely salty note, but you can substitute feta or queso fresco if needed. They offer similar textures and flavors, giving the dish a nice kick without compromising it!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: The creamy dressing is key! If you want a healthier twist, Greek yogurt is a great alternative for both the mayo and sour cream while keeping it creamy.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Roasted Corn?
Cooking the corn until it’s slightly charred elevates the flavor to truly mimic famous street corn. Here are some easy tips:
- If using frozen corn, thaw and dry it before cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil to help it brown.
- Cook until lightly charred, stirring occasionally, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Fresh corn can be grilled or roasted similarly.
Don’t rush this step—allow it to caramelize for the best sweetness!
Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (warm)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen street corn (corn kernels, preferably grilled or roasted)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking. This includes the time to cook the corn, prepare the sauce, and assemble the bowls. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using frozen corn, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the corn until it’s slightly charred and warmed through. If you’re using fresh corn, feel free to grill or roast the kernels until they have a lovely golden color and sweet flavor, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce is going to add a fantastic flavor to your bowl!
3. Assemble Your Bowls:
In serving bowls, start by placing a warm bed of cooked rice. This will be the base for all the yummy toppings!
4. Add Chicken and Corn:
Top the rice with your shredded or diced chicken. Next, spoon the delicious roasted corn over the chicken to make it colorful and flavorful.
5. Drizzle the Sauce:
Generously drizzle the creamy sauce over the corn and chicken to bring everything together.
6. Final Touches:
Now, sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the entire bowl for that salty kick. If you like some heat, add the finely diced jalapeño. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for brightness.
7. Serve with Lime:
Don’t forget to serve each bowl with a lime wedge! A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brings all the flavors to life.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! It’s a fun dish that’s sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthier option but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. If using brown rice, prepare it according to package instructions before assembling your bowl.
What If I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
No worries! If cotija cheese isn’t available, you can replace it with feta cheese or queso fresco. Both will provide a similar salty flavor and creamy texture to your dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, add more diced jalapeño or use a spicier chili powder. You can also include some hot sauce in the creamy sauce for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bowl components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain its creaminess. Reheat the chicken and corn before assembling your bowl again!
