Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Juicy Chicken, Creamy Corn & Zesty Flavors in Every Bite

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together bold Mexican street flavors with tender grilled chicken, creamy corn topping, and fluffy rice for a satisfying, colorful bowl that’s full of texture and taste. With Cotija cheese, lime, chili spices, and fresh cilantro—it’s comfort food meets fiesta!

Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or healthy lunches on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🌶️ Zesty Street Corn Topping: Sweet, spicy, tangy, and oh-so-addictive.
• 🍋 Citrus-Marinated Chicken: Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
• 🍚 Rice Base: A comforting foundation that soaks up all the delicious sauces.
• ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes—great for busy weeknights.
• 🎉 Customizable: Add avocado, jalapeños, or beans for extra flair.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping:

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled corn is ideal – or use frozen/thawed)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup sour cream (half reserved for drizzle, half mixed into corn)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (adds richness and balance)
• ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
• 1 tsp chili powder (smoky or ancho for best flavor)
• Salt and black pepper , to taste
• Juice of 1 lime (optional – for brightness)

For Assembly:

• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (jasmine or basmati work great too)
• Fresh cilantro leaves , chopped (for garnish)
• Optional add-ins:
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Black beans or pinto beans
  • Hot sauce or Tajín for extra kick

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix:

• Lime juice
• Avocado oil
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic
• Salt and black pepper

Place chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes while prepping other ingredients.

Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat .

Add chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes per side , until golden brown and cooked through.

Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or chunks.

Step 3: Make the Street Corn Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Corn kernels (grilled adds smoky depth)
• Red onion slices
• ½ cup sour cream
• Mayo
• Cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• Juice of ½ a lime (optional – for brightness)

Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Set aside the remaining sour cream for drizzling later.

Step 4: Prep the Rice

Reheat cooked rice with a splash of water or broth to keep it fluffy and warm.

You can also sauté rice with a bit of garlic, salt, and butter for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide rice evenly among four bowls.

Top each with:

• Sliced chicken
• Street corn mixture
• Extra Cotija cheese
• Drizzle of sour cream or crema
• Chopped cilantro

Garnish with lime wedges on the side for a final squeeze.

Optional Upgrades:

• Add a scoop of guacamole or avocado slices
• Stir in black beans for extra protein
• Top with pickled jalapeños or radishes for crunch
• Sprinkle with Tajín or chili powder for extra zing

Tips for Success:

• 🍋 Use Fresh Lime Juice: Enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 🧀 Cotija Substitute: Feta or queso fresco works in a pinch.
• 🥣 Make Ahead Magic: Cook everything ahead and assemble just before serving.
• 🍽️ Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and reheat when ready to eat.
• 🌶️ Adjust Spice Level: Use more or less chili powder or add hot sauce for kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Great for lunch boxes, dinner bowls, or casual weekend meals.
• Perfect with a cold drink like horchata, beer, or iced tea.
• Ideal for picnics, family dinners, or post-workout fuel.

Nutritional Information (per bowl, makes 4 servings – approximate):

(Without optional additions – regular ingredients used)

• Calories: ~500 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~6g

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl proves that you don’t need complicated steps to make something truly special. With its juicy chicken, creamy corn, and zesty toppings—it’s a flavor-packed bowl that deserves a place on your weekly menu.

So go ahead and try this today… because once you taste it—you’ll be making it again and again!