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 sauce 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 hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious dinner idea, the Street Corn Chicken Bowl is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!
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 feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear and stays juicy.
- While the grill is heating, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade for the chicken.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 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 fully cooked and safe to eat.
- 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 more tender and flavorful.
- After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Preparing the Corn
- If you’re using fresh corn, you’ll want to grill it as well. Simply husk the corn and place it on the grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s charred and cooked through. If using frozen corn, you can sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat until heated through and slightly caramelized.
- Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob if using fresh corn. If using canned corn, simply drain and rinse it before using.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the corn with the mayonnaise, lime juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the corn is well coated. This mixture adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Assembling the Bowl
- 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.
- Next, layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the rice. Make sure to distribute it evenly so every bite has a bit of chicken.
- Now, add the corn mixture over the chicken. The creamy corn will add a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The salty, tangy feta pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn and the savory chicken.
- Add the diced red onion for a bit of crunch and a pop of color. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can skip this step or substitute with green onions for a milder flavor.
- Top the bowl with sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. Avocado not only adds flavor but also makes the dish more filling.
- Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness and a lovely aroma to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the street corn chicken bowl immediately while everything is fresh and warm. You can also serve lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus, which bright
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, sweet flavors of street corn with tender, juicy chicken, creating a delightful harmony that will have your taste buds dancing. The creamy dressing and fresh toppings add layers of texture and flavor, making each bite a delicious experience. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Street Corn Chicken Bowl with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a fun, casual meal. You can also customize it by adding black beans for extra protein, avocado for creaminess, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own based on your preferences or what you have on hand. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, I’m confident that the Street Corn Chicken Bowl will become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me when you make it—I can’t wait to see how you put your spin on this delicious dish! PrintStreet Corn Chicken Bowl: A Delicious Recipe for a Flavorful Meal
Savor the deliciousness of a Street Corn Chicken Bowl, featuring grilled chicken, creamy corn, and fresh toppings served over rice. This colorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, combining vibrant flavors and textures in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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 feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- If using fresh corn, grill it for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. For frozen corn, sauté in a pan with olive oil until heated through.
- Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob if using fresh corn. Drain and rinse canned corn.
- In a mixing bowl, combine corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well coated.
- In a large serving bowl or individual bowls, add a scoop of cooked rice as the base.
- Layer the sliced grilled chicken on top of the rice.
- Add the corn mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Add diced red onion for crunch and color.
- Top with sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For added heat, include the cayenne pepper in the corn mixture.
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as adding jalapeños or swapping out the feta for another cheese.