The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines juicy marinated chicken, creamy street corn, and zesty cilantro-lime rice into a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and refreshingly bold — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese or feta crumbled
- Fresh cilantro chopped
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
For Toppings (optional):
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra crumbled cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions
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In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
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Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exterior should have a nice golden sear. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
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In a separate skillet over medium heat, sauté the corn kernels for about 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Transfer the corn to a bowl and mix it with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika if using. Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
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In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro. Fluff with a fork to distribute the flavors evenly.
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Spoon a generous serving of cilantro-lime rice into a bowl. Top with slices of the cooked chicken, a hefty spoonful of street corn, and your choice of toppings like avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, and extra cheese. Serve with lime wedges for that extra fresh zing.