This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with fresh flavors. It’s colorful, fun, and perfect for any meal!
I love how quick it is to make – just throw everything together and you’re good to go! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. Enjoy every tasty bite! 🌽🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: I recommend using white rice for a classic base, but brown rice or jasmine rice can also be great alternatives for extra nutrition and flavor.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It saves time and adds wonderful flavor. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Street-style corn: If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just fine. Sauté it as you would the fresh corn. You can also skip cotija cheese for a dairy-free option and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Cilantro: This adds freshness, but if you’re not a fan, you can use parsley instead. It won’t taste the same, but it still gives a nice herbal touch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sauté on the Street Corn?
Getting that lovely char on your corn is key! Start with a hot skillet, then add butter and corn. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat and melt the butter first before adding the corn.
- Spread the corn in a single layer, not overcrowding the skillet to let it char.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you see golden brown bits.
- Mix in the seasonings quickly after, just off the heat to maintain that charred flavor.
This will enhance the dish significantly, giving it that street corn vibe. Enjoy your cooking! 🥦🌶️
Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably warm)
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Street Corn:
- 1 cup street-style corn (corn kernels sautéed with butter, chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
Fresh Toppings:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- Sour cream or crema (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a super quick and delicious meal that you can whip up any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Street Corn:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the corn kernels. Sauté them until they are slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to get an even char.
2. Season the Corn:
After the corn is sautéed, stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Add salt to taste, then remove the skillet from heat. Mix in half of the cotija cheese for added flavor.
3. Build the Rice Bowl:
Start by arranging the warm cooked rice in a bowl as the base. Make sure it’s nice and fluffy!
4. Add the Chicken:
Top the rice generously with the shredded or diced cooked chicken. This adds protein and heartiness to your meal!
5. Add the Street Corn:
Spoon the delicious street corn mixture over the chicken. Each bite should be bursting with flavor!
6. Add Fresh Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and jalapeño over the top of the bowl. These fresh toppings add color and crunch!
7. Finish with Optional Toppings:
If you’d like, add a dollop of sour cream or crema to make it creamy and delicious. This adds a lovely richness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl immediately, with extra lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy every tasty bite!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or dice it, and it’s ready to go, saving you time in the kitchen!
What If I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
No problem! If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese is a great substitute. You can also use crumbled queso fresco or simply skip the cheese for a dairy-free option!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider increasing the amount of jalapeño or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn mixture. You can also serve it with your favorite hot sauce on the side!
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Sure! You can prep the street corn and chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat and assemble the bowl with fresh toppings!
