Chicken Street Corn Bowl

Chicken Street Corn Bowl: Have you ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and satisfyingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chicken Street Corn Bowl recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve perfected this recipe over time, drawing inspiration from the vibrant street food scenes of Mexico, where the combination of sweet corn, savory chicken, and zesty spices creates a culinary masterpiece.

The history of street corn, or elote, is rich and deeply rooted in Mexican culture. It’s a beloved snack enjoyed across the country, often sold from carts and stands, offering a delicious and affordable meal. The variations are endless, but the core elements – grilled corn, mayonnaise, chili powder, and cotija cheese – remain constant. My Chicken Street Corn Bowl takes this classic and elevates it to a complete and hearty meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.

What makes this Chicken Street Corn Bowl so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes! The juicy grilled chicken offers a satisfying protein base, while the sweet corn provides a delightful counterpoint. The creamy mayonnaise, combined with the kick of chili powder and the salty crumble of cotija cheese, creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. It’s also incredibly convenient; the recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. And let’s not forget the vibrant colors – this bowl is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate!

So, are you ready to experience the magic of a truly exceptional Chicken Street Corn Bowl? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. It’s important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers and red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. I like to get a little bit of char on the peppers for extra flavor.
2. Add the frozen corn kernels to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and add them now.

Combining the Ingredients

1. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This slow simmering really helps develop the depth of flavor in the sauce.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken, cilantro, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want a little extra salt or pepper at this stage.

Serving the Chicken Street Corn Bowl

1. To serve, divide the chicken street corn mixture among bowls. I like to use wide, shallow bowls to make it easy to get everything in one bite.
2. Top each bowl with diced avocado and crumbled cotija cheese (or feta).
3. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired. A squeeze of extra lime juice is also a nice touch.
4. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side, if desired. This dish is delicious on its own, but the toppings add a nice textural and flavor contrast.

Tips and Variations

• For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, corn on the cob, or mushrooms.
• If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute with feta cheese, queso fresco, or even shredded cheddar cheese.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice for extra protein and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit when reheated.
• To make this a complete meal, serve with a side of rice or your favorite tortilla chips.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can prepare the chicken and vegetable components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet and heat through. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my recipe for the ultimate Chicken Street Corn Bowl! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, adding more or less chili powder depending on your preference for heat. The same goes for the corn – feel free to experiment with different types, from sweet corn to creamed corn, or even a mix! The base recipe is already packed with flavor, but the adaptability makes it perfect for customizing to your taste buds.

Secondly, it’s incredibly convenient. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours of prep and meticulous attention. It’s a quick weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy individuals or families. The simplicity of the ingredients also makes it easy to find everything you need at your local grocery store, minimizing any unnecessary trips.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, it’s delicious! The combination of juicy chicken, sweet corn, savory spices, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing is simply irresistible. The textures are fantastic too – the tender chicken, the slightly charred corn, and the refreshing crunch of the toppings all work together beautifully to create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s the kind of dish that will leave you wanting more, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Street Corn Bowl is fantastic on its own, but you can easily elevate it further with a few simple additions. I love serving mine with a side of warm tortillas for scooping up all that deliciousness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken and corn. For a heartier meal, consider adding some black beans or quinoa for extra protein and fiber. You could also garnish with some fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and healthy fats.

Variations:

Want to switch things up? Try these variations on my Chicken Street Corn Bowl recipe:

• Spicy Chicken Street Corn Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Street Corn Bowl: Replace the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Shrimp Street Corn Bowl: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood-focused meal. Cook the shrimp quickly to avoid overcooking.

The possibilities are truly endless! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and spices to create your own unique version of this flavorful dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your individual preferences and dietary needs.

Don’t forget to try this Chicken Street Corn Bowl recipe!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and feedback on social media using the hashtag #ChickenStreetCornBowl. Let’s connect and celebrate the joy of cooking together. Happy cooking!

Remember, this Chicken Street Corn Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to savor the vibrant flavors of summer, to gather with loved ones, and to create memories around a shared table. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

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