Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect dish when you’re craving something hearty yet vibrant. It combines juicy chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy elote sauce, all set atop fluffy white rice. This recipe is not just incredibly satisfying but also brings the lively flavors of street corn to your dinner table. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights or casual family gatherings when everyone’s looking for something delightful and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl stands out for several reasons. First off, it’s a one-bowl wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—using affordable ingredients without compromising on flavor. The combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults, creating a family favorite in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time, yet still want to offer a meal that feels special.
"I made this for my family on a Wednesday night, and it quickly became a go-to! The sweet corn and creamy sauce are just heavenly together!" — Sarah, a satisfied home cook.
Step-by-Step Overview
When it comes to preparing the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, the process is straightforward and user-friendly. You’ll start by cooking the rice, then moving on to the protein and corn mixture, and finally, it all comes together with the creamy sauce and fresh toppings. Here’s how the magic happens!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 cup creamy elote sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: If you don’t have cream elote sauce, you can make a quick substitute with mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
Directions to Follow
- Start by cooking the white rice according to the package instructions until it’s fluffy and tender.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with chili powder, salt, and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Add the sweet corn to the skillet and mix well with the chicken. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the corn.
- Pour in the creamy elote sauce and stir until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through.
- To assemble, place a generous portion of rice in a bowl, top with the chicken and corn mixture, and finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve warm!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, consider garnishing it with some extra lime wedges on the side and maybe a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an authentic Mexican flair. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside black beans or avocado slices.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the chicken and corn mixture for up to 2 months; just make sure to separate the rice, as it doesn’t freeze well.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the best outcome, ensure your chicken breast is pounded to an even thickness before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. If you want to save time, the rice can be cooked ahead of time and warmed up just before serving.
Creative Twists
Feel free to mix things up! Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add different toppings like sliced jalapeños for heat or a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning for an extra flavor burst. You can also try adding bell peppers or black beans to the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
Common Questions
What type of rice works best for this bowl?
White rice is a great choice for this recipe because it absorbs flavors well and provides a nice base. However, you can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken. Just shred it and mix it in with the corn and sauce until heated through.
How spicy is the elote sauce?
Most elote sauces offer a mild to medium spice level, primarily from ingredients like chili powder. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can adjust by using less sauce or opting for a milder version.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure that your elote sauce and any additional toppings are gluten-free. This recipe inherently doesn’t include gluten-based ingredients.
What’s the best way to prepare the rice?
You can either cook it on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or even in the microwave. Just follow the package instructions for the best results.
Is there a vegan option for this dish?
Certainly! Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use a plant-based elote sauce (or make your own). You can also replace the creamy element with cashew cream or coconut yogurt for extra creaminess.
How long does it take to make this dish?
From start to finish, you can prepare this dish in about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can pre-cook the rice and chop your ingredients a day in advance to ensure a speedy cooking process at dinner time.
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and vibrant dish combining juicy chicken, sweet corn, and creamy elote sauce, all atop fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 cup creamy elote sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the white rice according to package instructions until fluffy and tender.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, season the chicken with chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Add the sweet corn to the skillet and mix well with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the corn.
- Pour in the creamy elote sauce and stir until combined and heated through.
- Assemble by placing a portion of rice in a bowl, topping with the chicken and corn mixture, and finishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve warm!
Notes
For the best outcome, ensure chicken breast is pounded to an even thickness before cooking. You can also substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg