If you’re craving a flavorful, vibrant meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, this Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with spiced chicken, creamy street-style corn, and fresh toppings over a bed of rice, it’s a burst of textures and colors that will brighten up your dinner plate and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight supper or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this dish hits all the right notes—creamy, smoky, zesty, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this bowl is refreshingly straightforward. Each item plays a starring role, adding distinctive flavors and textures that make this recipe truly pop. From the tender spiced chicken to the luscious avocado and tangy street corn, these essentials come together easily to create a harmonious and satisfying meal.
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice): The hearty base that soaks up all the wonderful toppings and spices.
- 2 chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein seasoned with a smoky spice blend for a flavorful punch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for cooking the chicken to juicy perfection.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a warm, mild heat that elevates the chicken and corn.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and aromatic, it brings depth to the spice mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that’s signature in this dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup corn (grilled, roasted, or canned and drained): The sweet and crisp street corn star of the bowl.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Makes the corn luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings brightness and a fresh citrus zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for corn): Adds consistent spice throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like an extra kick of heat in their corn.
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta): Salty and crumbly, it adds an irresistible finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Herbaceous freshness that lightens each bite.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Offers crunch and a hint of sharpness.
- 1/4 cup diced cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1/2 avocado, sliced: Creamy and buttery, the perfect contrast to the spices.
- Lime wedges for serving: For an extra squeeze of tang and brightness at the table.
How to Make Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through. This step marries the spices to the chicken, giving it a vibrant color and an irresistible smoky flavor that’s the heart of our bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture
While the chicken is cooking, mix the corn with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. This mixture replicates the creamy, tangy street corn you love, adding a luscious texture and bright notes that elevate the dish to something extraordinary.
Step 3: Assemble the Base with Rice
Divide your cooked rice evenly between two bowls. Using your choice of white, brown, or cauliflower rice allows you to customize the texture and nutritional profile while offering a satisfying and comforting foundation that holds all the fabulous toppings.
Step 4: Layer the Flavors
On top of the rice, layer the spiced chicken, then spoon generous amounts of the creamy street corn mixture. Scatter the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over everything, adding bursts of flavor and color. Don’t forget the diced red onions and cherry tomatoes for crunch and juiciness, and finish off each bowl with velvety avocado slices. This medley of ingredients creates an explosion of tastes and textures in every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve your Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. This final touch cuts through the richness and brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that perfectly balances the dish.
How to Serve Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get creative with this recipe. Fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese provide a traditional finish, but feel free to add sliced jalapeños for heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra color. A dollop of sour cream or extra Greek yogurt is another delightful option for added creaminess.
Side Dishes
While the bowls are filling on their own, pairing them with a light side helps round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole makes a lovely complement. If you want to keep the vibe casual and cozy, a warm corn tortilla on the side is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a party or family gathering, consider setting up a “build-your-own” rice bowl station. Lay out the spicy chicken, street corn mix, cheeses, fresh veggies, and garnishes separately so everyone can customize their own bowl. It’s interactive, fun, and ensures each person gets exactly what they want!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lime wedges separate to maintain their freshness and brightness. Storing the components separately, especially the avocado slices, can help preserve their texture longer.
Freezing
The chicken and rice components freeze well, but the creamy street corn with mayonnaise or yogurt is best made fresh to avoid texture changes after thawing. If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the chicken and rice separately, then add fresh toppings when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add fresh corn mixture and toppings right before serving to keep all the flavors lively and the textures bright. Avoid reheating avocado slices to prevent browning; add fresh ones instead.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides chicken in this Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, steak strips, or even tofu make excellent substitutions that work beautifully with the flavors of the dish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a balanced mild to moderate heat thanks to chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can dial the spiciness up or down easily to suit your taste by adjusting those spices.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the cotija cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt for the street corn mix to keep it creamy.
Is there a low-carb version of this dish?
Definitely. Using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice cuts the carbs significantly and keeps the bowl fresh and satisfying while maintaining all the great flavors.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing texture?
Reheat the rice and chicken separately on medium heat to retain moisture and avoid drying out, then assemble with fresh corn mixture and toppings just before serving. Avoid reheating avocado to keep it creamy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is a fantastic blend of comforting and exciting flavors that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and just bursting with personality. I encourage you to try it out soon and share the joy of this vibrant, hearty bowl with your family or friends. Trust me, it’s going to be a new favorite for good reason!
Print
Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal that combines tender, spiced chicken with creamy, tangy street-style corn, all served over a bed of rice. Perfect for a quick 20-minute dinner, it features zesty lime, smoky spices, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an authentic Mexican-inspired dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Street Corn Mixture
- 1 cup corn (grilled, roasted, or canned and drained)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Street Corn: In a separate bowl, mix the corn with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to combine so the corn is evenly coated with the creamy, spicy mixture.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly between serving bowls as the base for your meal.
- Add Toppings: Top each bowl of rice with the seasoned chicken, the creamy street corn mixture, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado to build layers of fresh, bold flavors.
- Serve: Provide lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowls just before eating to add a zesty brightness. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For a lower calorie option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the street corn mixture.
- You can substitute cotija cheese with feta if cotija is unavailable.
- Use any rice you prefer, including cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Grilled or roasted corn adds a smoky flavor, but canned corn works well in a pinch.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level of the street corn.
