Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe combines tender, marinated chicken with smoky, zesty street corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s an easy and delicious one-bowl meal, perfect for any occasion! Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, black beans, or extra cilantro for a personalized twist. Great for meal prep or busy weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp chili powder (or paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta/queso fresco)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp lime juice (for extra zest)
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Rice and Assembly:
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (or white/brown rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest. Slice into strips or chunks.
- Prepare the Street Corn Topping: In a separate bowl, combine grilled corn, red onion (optional), sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly.
- Reheat the Rice: If using cold rice, reheat with a splash of water in the microwave or over low heat in a pan.
- Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, start with a base of rice. Top with sliced chicken, street corn mixture, additional cotija cheese, and cilantro. Add a lime wedge on the side.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice on top just before serving.
Notes
- Add Heat: For a spicier kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the corn topping.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
- Toppings: Customize with extra toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, or radish slices.
- Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Bowl Meal, Comfort Food
- Method: Skillet-cooked, Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 400mg
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80mg