Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Zesty Flavors: The combination of spiced chicken, charred corn, and tangy lime creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels, swap proteins, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein, whole grains, and vegetables, it’s a balanced meal that leaves you feeling full and satisfied.
- Family-Friendly: Its appealing flavors and textures make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For the Street Corn Topping:
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- Chili powder
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Rice:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Butter or olive oil
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the diced chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
- Prepare the Street Corn Topping:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn kernels.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly charred, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the charred corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rice with butter, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cilantro-lime rice among serving bowls.
- Top each with cooked chicken and a generous portion of the street corn mixture.
- Add optional toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, and hot sauce as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Grain Base: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens instead of rice for a lighter or grain-free version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to increase or decrease the heat according to your preference.
- Cheese Options: Swap cotija or feta cheese with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- Additional Toppings: Enhance the bowl with black beans, roasted bell peppers, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious fusion of bold, zesty flavors featuring tender spiced chicken, creamy Mexican street corn, and refreshing cilantro-lime rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish is great for meal prep, family dinners, or weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the diced chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
Prepare the Street Corn Topping:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn kernels.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly charred, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the charred corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. Stir well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Rice:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rice with butter, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cilantro-lime rice among serving bowls.
- Top each with cooked chicken and a generous portion of the street corn mixture.
- Add optional toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, extra lime wedges, and hot sauce as desired.