Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Delicious Recipe for a Flavorful Meal

Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the vibrant essence of street food right to your dining table. This dish is inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, known as elote, which is celebrated for its smoky, creamy, and tangy profile. As I prepared this recipe, I couldn’t help but think about the bustling streets of Mexico, where vendors serve up this beloved treat to eager crowds. The combination of juicy chicken, charred corn, and zesty toppings creates a mouthwatering experience that is both satisfying and comforting.

People love the Street Corn Chicken Bowl not just for its incredible taste, but also for its texture and convenience. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the crunchy corn, while the creamy dressing adds a luscious finish. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a quick and easy meal option for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a flavorful dinner at home, the Street Corn Chicken Bowl is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear and those beautiful grill marks.
2. While the grill is heating up, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This spice blend will give the chicken a delicious flavor.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
7. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Preparing the Corn

1. If you’re using fresh corn, you’ll want to grill it as well. Husk the corn and remove all the silk. Brush it lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
2. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s charred and cooked through. If you’re using frozen corn, you can skip this step and simply sauté it.
3. Once the corn is grilled, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. If you’re using canned corn, simply drain and rinse it before using.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, and half of the crumbled cotija cheese. Mix well until the corn is evenly coated.

Assembling the Bowl

1. In a large serving bowl or individual bowls, start by adding a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base. This will be the foundation of your street corn chicken bowl.
2. Next, layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the rice. You can arrange it neatly or just pile it on, depending on your style!
3. Now, add the corn mixture over the chicken. Make sure to get a good amount of that creamy, cheesy goodness on there.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese over the top for an extra cheesy flavor.
5. Add the diced red onion and sliced jalapeño (if using) for a bit of crunch and heat.
6. Finally, top the bowl with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
7. For an extra kick, you can drizzle some hot sauce over the top if you like it spicy!

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the street corn chicken bowl immediately while everything is warm. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option for the week.
2. If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This will keep the rice and chicken fresh, and you can easily reassemble the bowls when you’re ready to

Conclusion:

In summary, the Street Corn Chicken Bowl is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. This vibrant dish combines the smoky flavors of grilled corn with tender chicken, all topped off with a zesty lime crema and fresh cilantro, creating a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or even make it vegetarian by using black beans or grilled veggies. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Street Corn Chicken Bowl with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for that perfect crunch, or a refreshing avocado salad to balance the flavors. You can also customize the toppings to your liking—add jalapeños for a kick, or sprinkle some crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped up your own Street Corn Chicken Bowl, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation! Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together and inspire each other with our culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

Print