Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
A comforting bowl filled with grilled chicken, charred corn, and a zesty lime crema on a base of warm rice, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (grilled and sliced, pound to even thickness for quick grilling)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; fresh corn gives the best bite)
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed, warm briefly if serving cold)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (soak in cold water to mellow flavor)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (use roma or vine-ripe tomatoes; pat dry)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (substitute with feta if needed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (add just before serving)
For the Lime Crema
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (Greek yogurt adds tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (neutral-flavored for charring corn)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a campfire note)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (toast briefly for added fragrance)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust at end for lime flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
- Juice of 1 lime (fresh lime juice is essential)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (blends smoothly in crema)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the crema)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Sauté the corn kernels for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to make the lime crema. Adjust lime juice to taste.
Assembly
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice. Layer with grilled chicken slices, charred corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cotija cheese.
- Drizzle the lime crema over the bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serving
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Encourage family to sit down together and share their day.
Notes
You can substitute different ingredients based on preferences. The essential components are charred corn and lime crema.