If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings the taste of summer to your table, look no further than these chicken street corn rice bowls. Inspired by the classic chicken street corn rice bowls, esquites, this recipe combines fluffy U.S.-grown long-grain white rice, sweet roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or making it the star of your dinner with your favorite protein, this chicken street corn rice bowls recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What sets this chicken street corn rice bowls apart is how easy and adaptable it is. With everyday pantry staples and ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can quickly create a dish that’s full of vibrant, fresh flavors. The creamy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, paired with smoky chipotle and zesty lime, makes a luscious sauce that clings to every grain of rice and piece of corn. Finished with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a handful of fresh cilantro, each bite delivers the irresistible taste of Mexican street food.
This chicken street corn rice bowls is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. You can enjoy it as a vegetarian side dish or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans to make it a satisfying main course. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of street corn in a new and exciting way.
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Chicken Street Corn Rice Bowls
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This esquites-inspired recipe features common ingredients you might already have in your pantry! Savor the vibrant, summery flavors in this side dish, or add your favorite protein to turn it into a complete meal.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups U.S.-grown long-grain white rice
2 3/4 cups water
1 tsp kosher salt, divided
2 cups white corn, frozen or canned
1 tbsp cooking oil, canola
3 medium green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
3 tbsp mayo
3 tbsp sour cream or Mexican crema
1 tsp tajín
1/2 tsp ground chipotle powder
1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated
1 large lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
To Cook Rice on the Stovetop
- Measure the water into a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add half of the divided salt, and once boiling, add the U.S.-grown long-grain white rice. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a tightly sealing lid.
- Cook, without stirring, according to package directions (or about 20 minutes). Remove from heat then fluff with a fork before continuing with remaining instructions.
To Cook Rice Using a Rice Cooker
- Measure the uncooked rice, water, and half of the divided salt into the bowl of the rice cooker (rinse first if desired to reduce stickiness). Adjust settings, if applicable, and seal the lid. Once timer goes off, fluff with a fork before continuing with remaining instructions.
For Mexican Street Corn and Rice Bowls (Elotes-Inspired)
- As rice cooks, heat the cooking oil in a skillet. Once heated, add the white corn. Toast in the skillet for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the corn becomes roasted and browned around the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Meanwhile, chop the cilantro and slice the green onions into thin slices.
- Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, remaining salt, Tajín, and chipotle powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
- When rice is finished cooking, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the roasted corn, chopped cilantro, green onions, and mayonnaise mixture and fold together to combine. Garnish with lime wedges, cotija cheese, and additional spices if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe, as written, yields 6-8 servings as a side dish or 4 servings as an entree when paired with your preferred protein. If using an electric rice cooker, adjust cook time according to your appliance. Cook time may be longer than the 30 minutes estimated for cooking rice on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken street corn rice bowls
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
To make these delicious chicken street corn rice bowls, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most are pantry staples, making this recipe both convenient and budget-friendly:
- 1 1/2 cups U.S.-grown long-grain white rice
The base of your bowl, providing a fluffy and neutral canvas for all the bold flavors. - 2 3/4 cups water
For cooking the rice to tender perfection. - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Enhances the flavors throughout the dish. - 2 cups white corn (frozen or canned)
Roasted for that signature street corn flavor. - 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as canola)
Used to toast the corn and bring out its natural sweetness. - 3 medium green onions, thinly sliced
Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. - 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
For freshness and a classic Mexican touch. - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Creates a creamy, rich base for the sauce. - 3 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
Adds tang and smoothness to the dressing. - 1 teaspoon Tajín
A chili-lime seasoning that gives the dish its signature zing. - 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder
For a smoky, slightly spicy kick. - 1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated
A salty, crumbly cheese that finishes the dish perfectly. - 1 large lime, cut into wedges
For squeezing over the finished bowls, adding brightness and acidity.
Optional Protein:
To turn this street corn rice bowl into a full meal, simply add your favorite protein. Grilled chicken is a classic choice, but shrimp, steak, or even black beans work beautifully. This flexibility is what makes this chicken street corn rice bowls recipe so appealing for families and meal preppers alike.
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Medium saucepan or rice cooker (for cooking the rice)
- Large skillet (for roasting the corn)
- Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients and making the sauce)
- Cutting board and knife (for prepping vegetables and herbs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork (for fluffing the rice)
- Serving bowls
With these simple tools and ingredients, you’re ready to create a restaurant-worthy chicken street corn rice bowls right in your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step chicken street corn rice bowls Instructions
Creating these chicken street corn rice bowls is easy and rewarding. Just follow these simple steps for a meal that’s sure to impress:
1. Cook the Rice
Stovetop:
- Bring 2 3/4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of U.S.-grown long-grain white rice.
- Lower the heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
Rice Cooker:
- Place the rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in your rice cooker.
- Rinse the rice beforehand if you prefer less stickiness.
- Cook according to your appliance’s instructions.
- Once done, fluff the rice with a fork.
2. Roast the Corn
- While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 cups of white corn (use frozen or well-drained canned corn).
- Sauté for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is golden and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prep the Fresh Ingredients
- Thinly slice 3 green onions.
- Chop 1/3 cup of cilantro.
- Cut 1 large lime into wedges for serving.
4. Make the Creamy Street Corn Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon Tajín, and 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
5. Assemble the Bowls
- Place the cooked rice in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the roasted corn, green onions, cilantro, and the creamy sauce.
- Gently fold everything together until well combined and the rice is evenly coated.
6. Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese over the top.
- Garnish with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of Tajín, and lime wedges.
- For a complete street corn chicken rice bowl recipe, add your favorite protein—grilled chicken is always a hit.
Serve right away and savor the bold, fresh flavors of this easy chicken street corn rice bowls recipe!
Read Also: Air Fryer Zucchini: Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Tips for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the most vibrant flavor, opt for fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime. If you have access to fresh corn, use it by slicing the kernels off the cob and roasting them as directed for an extra burst of sweetness.
- Roast for Flavor: Don’t skip roasting the corn—this step caramelizes the kernels and gives your rice bowl that authentic street corn taste. If you prefer, you can also grill the corn for a smoky twist.
- Customize the Heat: The chipotle powder and Tajín provide a gentle kick. If you like things milder, simply use less chipotle or leave it out. For those who love spice, add a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño.
- Fluff the Rice Well: After cooking, use a fork to fluff the rice. This keeps the grains separate and prevents clumping, ensuring a light and fluffy base for your bowl.
Creative Variations
- Switch Up the Protein: Grilled chicken is a classic for chicken street corn rice bowls, but you can easily substitute with grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Black beans or pinto beans are also excellent for a plant-based meal.
- Try Different Cheeses: Cotija cheese is traditional, but feta or queso fresco work well if cotija isn’t available.
- Add More Veggies: Boost nutrition and color by mixing in diced red bell pepper, creamy avocado, or juicy cherry tomatoes.
- Make It a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the street corn mixture over crisp romaine or mixed greens.
Serving Ideas
- Great for Meal Prep: These chicken street corn rice bowls are ideal for prepping ahead. Store the rice, corn mixture, and protein separately in the refrigerator, then combine just before serving for the freshest results.
- Build-Your-Own Bowls: Lay out all the components and let everyone assemble their own bowl. This is a fun, interactive way to serve dinner and is perfect for families or gatherings.
- Taco or Burrito Filling: Use the street corn rice mixture as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos for a delicious twist on taco night.
With these tips and creative ideas, you can easily adapt your chicken street corn rice bowls to fit your preferences and dietary needs. The options are endless, making this dish a go-to for anyone who loves bold, fresh flavors at home.
Read Also: Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
FAQ – Chicken Street Corn Rice Bowls
Can I make these chicken street corn rice bowls ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook the rice, roast the corn, and prepare the sauce in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and corn, then assemble your bowl with fresh toppings and your choice of protein.
What protein works best with this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe?
Grilled chicken is a classic and delicious choice, but you can also use grilled shrimp, steak, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a vegetarian option, try black beans, pinto beans, or grilled tofu.
Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice can be used as a base for these Mexican street corn chicken rice bowls. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the grain you choose.
What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta or queso fresco are great substitutes. Both offer a similar salty, crumbly texture that complements the flavors of the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chipotle powder and Tajín add a mild heat, but the spice level is easy to adjust. For a milder bowl, reduce or omit the chipotle powder. If you like it spicier, add extra chipotle, a pinch of cayenne, or some diced jalapeño.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute. The flavors will still be delicious and satisfying.
Conclusion
Bringing together the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn and the comfort of a hearty rice bowl, this chicken street corn rice bowls recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. With its creamy, zesty sauce, roasted corn, and customizable protein options, it’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or a festive dish to share with friends and family, these Mexican street corn chicken rice bowls deliver every time.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—experiment with different proteins, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. However you serve it, you’ll enjoy a meal that’s bursting with fresh, bold flavors and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ready to try it for yourself? Gather your ingredients and enjoy the vibrant taste of summer in every bite with this easy and satisfying chicken street corn rice bowls!