Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make meal inspired by the popular Mexican street food, elote. This bowl combines tender grilled chicken, creamy corn, and flavorful seasonings, all atop a bed of rice, creating a satisfying and filling dish. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime kick, this recipe brings together all the best flavors of street corn in a convenient, hearty bowl form. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option, a tasty lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, this dish is sure to hit the spot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful weekend treat. The combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy elements will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful & Fresh: The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice gives this dish a creamy and tangy base that perfectly complements the grilled chicken and sweet corn.
2. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, this bowl is ideal for busy days when you want something delicious without much effort.
3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spice with the chili powder or swap out ingredients like cotija cheese for feta or use different herbs if you prefer.
4. Comforting & Satisfying: The rice serves as a hearty base, making this dish filling enough for a full meal, while the chicken and corn add great texture and flavor.
5. Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. The recipe can be doubled or tripled to feed a larger group, and leftovers taste just as great.

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Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Grilled chicken, diced
• Corn kernels
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime, juiced
• Chili powder
• Salt and pepper

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Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the grilled chicken and substitute with black beans or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Add Avocado: For an extra creamy texture, add sliced avocado on top of the bowl.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding jalapeños, or use hot sauce in place of chili powder for a more intense spice.
• Different Protein: Swap the grilled chicken for shrimp, steak, or even roasted tofu for a different protein source.
• Lettuce Base: If you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb option, use a bed of lettuce instead of rice for the base of your bowl.

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How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Add the cooked rice, grilled chicken, and corn kernels to the bowl with the dressing. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Step 3: Divide and Serve

Divide the mixture into serving bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a fair share of the rice, chicken, and corn.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Top each bowl with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the bowls immediately, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grill the Chicken: For the best flavor, grill the chicken until it has a slight char. This will enhance the smoky flavor of the dish.
• Use Fresh Corn: If possible, use fresh corn on the cob. Grilled or roasted corn adds a smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
• Rice Choices: While white rice is commonly used, you can switch it out for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
• Prep Ahead: The ingredients can be prepped in advance. The dressing and rice can be made ahead, and the chicken can be cooked earlier in the day.

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How to Serve

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is perfect on its own or paired with a side of chips, guacamole, or a simple salad. It can also be served alongside a refreshing drink like iced tea or a lime-infused sparkling water to enhance the flavors.

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Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rice bowl mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and rice mixture without the creamy dressing. Simply store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat and mix with fresh dressing and toppings.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice and chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add fresh corn and dress with mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime mixture just before serving.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn?
   Yes, frozen corn works well. Just thaw and drain before adding it to the bowl.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, you can replace the sour cream and cotija cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based cheese.
3. What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
   Feta cheese or Parmesan are good substitutes for cotija, although cotija has a unique crumbly texture.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the rice, chicken, and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this bowl?
   Absolutely! Grilled bell peppers, onions, or roasted vegetables would make great additions.
6. How can I make this bowl spicier?
   Add sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.
7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, brown rice is a great healthier alternative and will add a nuttier flavor.
8. Can I make this bowl vegan?
   Yes, just omit the chicken, cheese, and sour cream, and opt for plant-based protein sources and dairy-free alternatives.
9. Can I serve this dish cold?
   Yes, this dish can be served chilled, which makes it great for meal prep or a summer dish.
10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.

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Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the deliciousness of Mexican street corn into a satisfying and hearty meal. With simple ingredients and a burst of bold flavors, this bowl is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this dish will leave everyone craving more. Try it today and experience the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory goodness in every bite!

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