When the sun starts to set on those warm summer evenings, there's a special kind of magic in the air—especially when the grill gets fired up. Picture this: the sizzling sound of marinated chicken cooking to perfection, the sweet aroma of corn roasting on the cob, and colorful toppings that add a burst of freshness to the table. That’s the beauty of my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, a dish that captures the essence of summer and serves it all in one delightful bowl.
What I adore most about this recipe is its versatility; it welcomes your favorite toppings, whether you’re a cilantro fanatic or a cheese lover. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this gluten-free bowl offers flavor and ease—all while keeping your summer nights relaxed and enjoyable. So, let's get grilling and take your taste buds on a Mexican-inspired adventure!
Why will you love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Ultimate versatility: Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, lime, or cotija cheese to suit your taste.
Easy grilling: Enjoy the simple process of grilling chicken and corn for vibrant flavors with minimal effort.
Deliciously gluten-free: Perfectly crafted for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing taste.
Family-friendly: A fun, colorful meal that kids and adults alike will delight in, making dinner a breeze.
One-bowl convenience: All the flavors come together in one bowl, making cleanup quick and easy—ideal for busy summer evenings! For more delicious bowl ideas, check out my Chili Lime Shrimp Rice Bowl for a delightful twist!
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients
• Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece with this flavorful dish!
For the Chicken
• Chicken Breasts – Marinate these juicy cuts to infuse them with zesty flavor.
• Olive Oil – A light coating helps the chicken crisp up beautifully on the grill.
For the Grilled Corn
• Corn on the Cob – Sweet kernels are essential for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl; grilling enhances their natural sweetness.
• Salt – This simple seasoning brings out the corn's flavor and balances the dish.
For the Rice Bowl Base
• Cooked Rice – Use your favorite variety as a fluffy base to soak up all the delicious juices.
For the Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens the flavor.
• Cotija Cheese – This crumbly cheese provides a creamy texture and a salty kick.
• Lime Juice – A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity that ties the flavors together beautifully.
• Mayo – For a rich, creamy texture in the salad that perfectly complements the grilled corn.
Feel free to customize this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to match your family's tastes!
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Marinate your chicken breasts for 15 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with delicious zesty flavors.
- Grill the marinated chicken breasts directly over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side, ensuring they develop a nice char and cook through evenly.
- Finish cooking the chicken on indirect heat for another 5-7 minutes. This allows the chicken to reach a juicy internal temperature of 160°F without burning.
- Grill the corn on the cob by rubbing it with olive oil and salt. Cook directly on the grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even char and enhance its sweetness.
- Cut the kernels off the cob carefully after grilling. This will add delightful crunch and flavor to your salad.
- Mix the corn kernels with the Mexican Street Corn Salad ingredients: cilantro, cotija cheese, lime juice, and mayo. This blend creates a creamy and zesty topping.
- Assemble your bowls by starting with a base of cooked rice, layering on the grilled chicken, and then generously topping with the street corn salad and any additional toppings you love.
Optional: Sprinkle extra cotija cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Enjoying your delicious bowl is just the beginning; let’s elevate your meal with perfect pairings that celebrate summer’s vibrant flavors.
- Creamy Guacamole: A dollop of rich guacamole adds a smooth, buttery texture, enhancing the warm spices in your bowl.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: These crunchy chips offer a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and fresh corn. Perfect for scooping up every last bite!
- Zesty Black Bean Salad: Packed with fiber and a tangy lime dressing, this colorful side dish brings freshness and balances the heartiness of the rice bowl.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil provides a burst of color and complements the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this classic side is a perfect match. It adds a savory depth that complements the sweet corn delightfully.
- Citrusy Margaritas: Sip on a refreshing margarita for an extra layer of flavor. The citrusy notes beautifully echo the bright ingredients in your bowl.
- Fruit Salad: A cool, seasonal fruit salad introduces a sweet contrast that can refresh your palate after the savory richness of the bowl.
- Churros for Dessert: End your meal on a sweet note with delightful churros. The crispy exterior and warm, soft interior provide the perfect sweet finish!
Let these pairings inspire you to create a memorable summer feast around your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
Expert Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
• Marination Magic: Ensure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for depth of flavor, or even overnight for the best results.
• Grilling Perfection: Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible while cooking. This maintains the heat and ensures even cooking of the chicken and corn.
• Corn Care: Turn the corn frequently while grilling to avoid charring on one side. This helps achieve that sweet, roasted flavor essential for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 160 degrees F. This guarantees juicy, fully cooked chicken every time.
• Creative Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Consider adding black beans, diced tomatoes, or a spicy crema to elevate your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delightful dish!
- Dairy-Free: Swap cotija cheese for avocado or nutritional yeast for a creamy touch without dairy.
- Vegetarian: Replace grilled chicken with marinated grilled tofu for a hearty and satisfying option.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy sauce to amp up the heat in your bowl.
- Grain-Free: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter, low-carb twist. This helps keep the flavors intact while ensuring a fresh, crisp bite.
- Herbed Freshness: Toss in fresh basil or parsley along with cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. This can elevate the dish and introduce delightful herbal notes.
- Roasted Veggies: Incorporate grilled bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and health benefits. Their sweetness complements the dish beautifully!
- Extra Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or pumpkin seeds for an inviting crunch to contrast with the soft ingredients.
- Zesty Citrus: Drizzle additional lime juice or add fresh orange segments to enhance the flavor profile and brighten the overall dish.
How to Store and Freeze Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Room Temperature: Leftovers can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store any remaining Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled bowl (omit toppings) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the rice bowl in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, ensuring the chicken reaches 165 degrees F before enjoying.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe FAQs
What kind of corn is best for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Absolutely! Fresh corn on the cob works best for this recipe, as grilling enhances its natural sweetness and flavor. Look for cobs that are plump and have bright green husks, avoiding any with dark spots or dried-out ends. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use canned corn as a quick alternative.
How should I store leftovers of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
To keep those delicious leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving to redistribute the flavors. If you need to save them longer, place the assembled bowl (without toppings) in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What is the best way to reheat the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Reheating is straightforward! You can microwave the bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If using a stovetop, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
What are some good toppings for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Very! Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Popular choices include diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, jalapeño slices for a kick, or extra cotija cheese for added creaminess. You can also introduce a drizzle of spicy crema or some freshly diced tomatoes to elevate the flavors even more.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Of course! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead for even more flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the corn salad in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble your bowls. Just keep the rice and corn salad separate from the grilled chicken until serving to maintain freshness.
Is the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl suitable for kids?
Absolutely! This dish is not only colorful and appealing to children, but it also allows you to customize the toppings based on your kids' preferences. You can make it milder by avoiding spicy toppings or letting them pick their own favorites to add on top of their rice bowl!
Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Fun Summer Delight
A delightful and versatile Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl perfect for summer evenings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: gluten-free
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Corn on the Cob
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Cooked Rice
- ¼ cup Cilantro
- ½ cup Cotija Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
- ¼ cup Mayo
Instructions
- Marinate your chicken breasts for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
- Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 4-6 minutes per side.
- Finish cooking the chicken on indirect heat for another 5-7 minutes.
- Grill the corn on the cob for 10-12 minutes.
- Cut the kernels off the cob carefully after grilling.
- Mix the corn kernels with the Mexican Street Corn Salad ingredients.
- Assemble your bowls with cooked rice, grilled chicken, and street corn salad.
Notes
- Marination Magic: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for depth of flavor.
- Grilling Perfection: Keep the grill lid closed for even cooking.
- Corn Care: Turn corn frequently while grilling.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken temperature.
- Creative Toppings: Consider adding black beans, diced tomatoes, or a spicy crema.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
