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Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

5.3 from 19 reviews

This Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, spiced chicken with creamy, tangy Mexican street corn and hearty black beans over fluffy white rice. It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors and textures, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Street Corn

  • 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)

Rice & Beans

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

Toppings & Garnishes

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the Corn: Choose your preferred method—grill, boil, or roast the corn. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat, brush corn with melted butter, and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender. For boiling, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add corn, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. For roasting, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), brush corn with melted butter, and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through until tender and slightly browned.
  4. Prepare the Street Corn Mixture: Once the corn is cooked and slightly cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, mix the corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and optional chili powder. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Begin by spooning a base of cooked rice into each bowl. Add a generous portion of the seasoned chicken on top of the rice. Spoon a generous amount of the street corn mixture over the chicken. Add a scoop of black beans to each bowl, followed by diced avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired, garnish with lime wedges, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, grilling the corn is recommended, but boiling or roasting works well too.
  • The street corn mixture can be adjusted for creaminess or tang by altering mayonnaise and sour cream proportions.
  • To keep this recipe gluten-free, ensure the hot sauce used is gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Feel free to swap white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
  • Adjust the chili powder quantities according to your heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Street corn chicken bowl, Mexican street corn, elote chicken bowl, easy chicken dinner, Mexican inspired bowls