You know those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when my Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl swoops in to save the day. I stumbled upon this combo one hectic Tuesday when my fridge held nothing but leftover rice, a lonely chicken breast, and half a bag of corn. Twenty minutes later? Magic happened. The smoky chili powder, tangy lime, and creamy feta turned basic ingredients into something outrageous. Now it’s my go-to whenever I need dinner fast but crave big flavors. Trust me – this bowl tastes way more impressive than the effort it takes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This bowl is a lifesaver for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s become my weeknight hero:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to think.
- Flavor Explosion: Smoky, creamy, tangy – it’s like a fiesta in your mouth.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice, swap toppings, or use what’s in your fridge. It’s super forgiving.
- Balanced and Satisfying: Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl – dinner done right.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Seriously, who has time to cook for hours? This bowl comes together in under 30 minutes, and if you’ve got leftover rice or rotisserie chicken, it’s even faster. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever’s hanging out in your pantry.
Packed with Bold Flavors
Every bite is a party. The smoky chili powder and paprika, the tangy lime juice, and the creamy mayo-sour cream combo? It’s a flavor bomb that’ll have you scraping the bowl clean.
Ingredients for Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed bowl happen. I promise, it’s all simple stuff – no fancy ingredients required!
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice works)
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced (about 6 oz raw)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen – just thaw it first!)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (the secret to that creamy street corn texture)
- 1 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust up if you like it spicy!)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (this is what gives it that amazing smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (cotija works too if you’ve got it)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh squeezed makes all the difference)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (skip if you’re one of those cilantro-haters)
See? Nothing crazy – just good, simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way.
How to Make Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Okay, let’s get cooking! This bowl comes together in three simple steps – I promise it’s easier than it looks. The best part? Everything cooks separately so you can multitask like a pro.
Cook the Rice and Chicken
First, get that rice going – cook it according to package directions (or use leftover rice if you’re extra smart). While that’s bubbling away, brush your chicken breast with a little oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill it for 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat until it hits 165°F inside. No grill? A stovetop pan works great too!
Prepare the Street Corn Mixture
In a medium bowl, toss together the corn (make sure it’s drained if using canned), mayo, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Give it a good stir until everything’s all creamy and coated. Taste it – need more lime or spice? Now’s the time to adjust!
Assemble the Bowl
Now the fun part! Grab your prettiest bowl and layer: fluffy rice on the bottom, sliced chicken next, then that dreamy corn mixture. Top with crumbled feta and fresh cilantro. That’s it – dinner’s ready in less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix!
Tips for the Best Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
After making this bowl more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tricks: First, shredded rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer when you’re really pressed for time. Want extra smokiness? Add a pinch of chipotle powder to the corn mix. For maximum flavor, let the corn mixture sit for 5 minutes before assembling – those spices need time to party! And don’t skip squeezing fresh lime right at the end – that bright acidity makes all the difference. My last tip? Always make extra corn mixture – you’ll want to slather it on everything!
Ingredient Substitutions
No feta? No problem! This bowl is crazy flexible. Swap in cotija cheese if you’ve got it – it’s actually more traditional for street corn. Out of sour cream? Greek yogurt works just as well (I actually prefer the tang it adds). For my vegan friends, try mayo made with avocado oil and skip the cheese – still delicious! Fresh corn not in season? Frozen or canned works perfectly fine, just pat it dry first. And if you’re not into cilantro (I won’t judge), flat-leaf parsley makes a fresh substitute. See? Dinner’s happening no matter what your pantry looks like!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This bowl is fantastic on its own, but here’s how I love to jazz it up: add creamy avocado slices or crispy tortilla chips for crunch. A simple side of black beans or a quick cabbage slaw makes it a full fiesta. Sometimes I’ll even serve it with extra lime wedges for squeezing – because you can never have too much zing!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. The chicken stays juicy, and the flavors meld even more!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but first, a quick heads up: these are estimates based on the exact ingredients I use. Your bowl might vary slightly depending on brands or if you tweak the recipe (no judgment here!). That said, here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 38g (that chicken is working hard!)
- Carbs: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
Not too shabby for a meal that tastes this indulgent, right? The protein keeps you full, while the smart mix of carbs and healthy fats gives you lasting energy. Want to lighten it up? Try swapping half the mayo for Greek yogurt – my secret trick when I’m being “good”!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works great – just thaw it and pat it dry before mixing. I keep a bag in my freezer specifically for emergency bowl nights. The texture stays perfect!
How can I make this spicier?
Ooh, my favorite question! Add an extra pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne to the corn mixture. For serious heat lovers, toss in some chopped jalapeños – seeds and all!
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
Totally! Greek yogurt works beautifully and adds extra protein. Or try mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy fat option. I’ve even used ranch dressing in a pinch!
Can I meal prep this ahead?
You bet! Keep components separate until ready to eat – rice, chicken, and corn mixture in their own containers. Assemble right before serving so the rice stays fluffy and the corn stays creamy.
25-Minute Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Irresistible!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful bowl combining grilled chicken, street corn, and rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Grill chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice.
- In a bowl, mix corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice.
- Assemble bowl with rice, sliced chicken, corn mixture, feta cheese, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use leftover rice or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Substitute cotija cheese if feta is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken rice bowl, street corn, easy meal
