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I always crave this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl when sweet corn shows up in stores The creamy cheesy charred flavors mixed in one bowl just remind me of easy summer days You can whip it up fast and it's filling—there's never leftovers when I make it at my place
The first time I mixed this up was after a family cookout We had leftover chicken and grilled corn so I tossed them together at lunch and my folks couldn’t stop talking about it Now every bite brings all those good times back
Tasty Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: tender and quick to grill with a touch of smoky spice try to pick ones that look fresh and plump
- White rice, cooked: mild and fluffy, perfect for soaking up all the creamy toppings both fresh or leftover rice do the job
- Yellow corn, grilled and cut off the cob: a little sweetness and caramelized edges grilled is best, but canned corn saves time
- Mayonnaise: makes the corn topping rich and smooth go for the good stuff for better flavor
- Sour cream: adds that nice tang to keep things from getting too heavy thick sour cream gives a creamier feel
- Cotija cheese, crumbled: salty and crumbly if you can’t find cotija, feta works too—just use the freshest kind you can get
- Lime: the juice adds a zippy citrus kick squeeze fresh for the best pop
- Chili powder: gives a boost of warmth and color choose a kind that smells strong and spicy
- Smoked paprika: pumps up a barbecue taste bright red kind with a sweet smoky smell is perfect
- Fresh cilantro: wakes everything up look for green leaves, no yellow spots
- Salt and pepper: for finishing touches taste as you go till it’s just right
Easy Step Guide
- Kick Off with Garnishes:
- Toss extra cilantro and cotija cheese generously over each bowl right before you dig in If you love citrus, tuck a lime wedge on the side Or slice up a jalapeno for extra pep
- Put It All Together:
- Pack warm rice in deep bowls and lay sliced chicken across the top Heap the creamy corn mixture on top or next to the chicken so you grab every flavor in one scoop
- Mix the Corn:
- Drop grilled or canned corn into a roomy bowl Stir in mayonnaise and sour cream until everything is coated Squeeze in your lime Add in some cilantro and half the cheese then season till it tastes awesome
- Get the Chicken Ready:
- Dab chicken breasts with paper towels and dust both sides with smoked paprika chili powder salt pepper Heat up a grill or sturdy pan and cook for six to eight minutes per side Don’t mess with them too much—you want a nice golden crust Once cooked through let them rest five minutes before slicing so the juices don’t run out
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Cotija is the hero ingredient for me I love how it breaks apart so easily and has that salty bite that makes every spoonful pop One memory is my family just passing the cheese bowl around after a Sunday BBQ and everyone going heavy on their own bowls while we all joked around
Keep It Fresh
Store any extras in the fridge for up to three days Keep the corn, chicken, and rice in separate dishes if you can so nothing gets soggy When you’re set to eat, heat up the chicken and rice with a splash of water and just spoon the cold corn topping on top for the best mix of flavors
Swap Options
Try brown rice or quinoa if you want a nutty vibe and more fiber If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a total time saver Plant-based eaters can trade in vegan mayo, sour cream, and cheese without missing a beat
How to Serve
You can eat it as a full-on lunch or dinner Add sliced avocado or some mixed greens for more color Top with pickled jalapenos or onions if you want some zing My kids can’t get enough tortilla chips for scooping up what’s left in their bowls
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Classic Street Corn Vibes
This meal is based on elote—Mexico’s famous street corn Smothered in mayo, cheese, lime, and spices, then loaded onto corn The whole bowl brings that goodness together in an easy dish, even if it’s too cold to grill outside
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned corn instead of grilled?
Yep, canned corn is just fine—drain it, then toss it in a pan for a few minutes if you want that roasty vibe.
- → What cheese can replace cotija?
Feta works well if you don't have cotija. It'll give you that same salty crumble.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Sure! Prep everything ahead and just throw it together when you’re hungry—super quick and stress-free.
- → How can I make this bowl spicier?
Want heat? Try fresh jalapeños, pour on hot sauce, or mix extra chili powder into the chicken or corn.
- → What other grains can I use besides white rice?
Brown rice or quinoa both give the bowl a tasty twist and are simple swaps for white rice.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Swap in steak, grilled shrimp, or tofu if you want something new—the bowl still rocks.