Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Bowl: Prepare to be transported to a vibrant summer festival with every single bite! Imagine the smoky char of grilled corn, the creamy tang of Mexican crema, and the satisfying crunch of crumbled cotija cheese, all perfectly complementing tender, seasoned chicken. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a fiesta in a bowl that’s surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.

Inspired by the beloved Mexican street food, Elote, this Street Corn Chicken Bowl takes the classic flavors and transforms them into a complete and satisfying dish. Elote itself has roots that stretch back centuries, a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, fresh ingredients prepared with love and care. For generations, vendors have lined the streets of Mexico, offering this grilled corn delicacy to hungry passersby.

But what makes this bowl so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the corn, the spice of the chili powder, the coolness of the crema, and the savory chicken all come together in a symphony of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to ditch the boring chicken dinners and embrace the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this incredible recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Street Corn:
• 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (or Tajin seasoning)
• For the Rice:
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Bowl Assembly:
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 avocado, diced
• Optional toppings: hot sauce, pickled onions, extra cilantro, lime wedges

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands for this, but you can use a spoon if you prefer.
2. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and steam the chicken instead of searing it.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be sure to flip the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. We’ll add it to our bowls later.

Making the Street Corn:

1. Now, let’s tackle the street corn. There are a few ways to cook the corn: grilling, boiling, or roasting. I prefer grilling for the smoky flavor, but boiling is the quickest. For this recipe, I’ll explain how to grill it.
2. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the corn with olive oil.
3. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
4. Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly.
5. While the corn is cooling, prepare the street corn sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder (or Tajin seasoning).
6. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
7. Add the corn kernels to the bowl with the street corn sauce and mix well to combine.

Cooking the Rice:

1. Let’s get the rice cooking. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become even more fluffy.
5. After 5-10 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork.

Assembling the Street Corn Chicken Bowls:

1. Now for the fun part: assembling our bowls! Grab your favorite bowls and get ready to layer in the deliciousness.
2. Start with a base of cooked rice. Add about 1 cup of rice to each bowl.
3. Next, add a generous portion of the cooked street corn on top of the rice. I usually add about 1/2 cup per bowl, but you can adjust it to your liking.
4. Then, add the cooked chicken to the bowl. Again, about 1/2 cup per bowl is a good starting point.
5. Add a scoop of black beans to each bowl.
6. Top with diced avocado.
7. Finally, add any optional toppings you like. I love a drizzle of hot sauce, some pickled onions for a tangy kick, extra cilantro for freshness, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten everything up.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy Street Corn Chicken Bowls!

Conclusion:

This Street Corn Chicken Bowl recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a vibrant fiesta in a bowl, bursting with flavors that will transport you straight to a bustling Mexican street market. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken, sweet and charred corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lime crema creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a casual gathering. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or a few slices of jalapeño to the bowl. If you’re watching your carbs, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or simply enjoy the chicken and toppings over a bed of crisp lettuce. Vegetarian? No problem! Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or black beans for a protein-packed and equally delicious alternative. Serving suggestions are endless! This Street Corn Chicken Bowl is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal. You can also transform it into a delicious salad by adding more greens and a light vinaigrette. For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and corn mixture in tacos or quesadillas. And if you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they make a fantastic filling for burritos or enchiladas the next day. I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s also a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken or corn on the cob. Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – most of them are pantry staples, and the recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and comments on social media using #StreetCornChickenBowl. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Let’s spread the love for this amazing dish and inspire others to try it too! I truly believe that this Street Corn Chicken Bowl will become a regular in your meal rotation, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!

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