Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
A vibrant and satisfying rice bowl featuring juicy seasoned chicken, creamy Mexican-style street corn, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime crema. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For the Street Corn
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Optional Lime Crema
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon water (if needed)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice into bite-sized strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
- Stir the butter (if using), lime juice, and chopped cilantro into the warm cooked rice.
- Fluff with a fork.
Step 4: Make the Street Corn
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the corn and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix in the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
Step 5: Make the Lime Crema (Optional)
- Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, water, and salt until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the rice among four bowls. Top each with:
- Sliced chicken
- Street corn mixture
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado
- Red onion
Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges.
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 41 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Calcium: 18% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 890 mg
Nut Information
Contains Peanuts: No
Contains Tree Nuts: No
This recipe is naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts.
Cross-Contamination Information
If preparing this recipe for someone with a nut allergy:
- Check the mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, seasonings, and any packaged rice for allergen labeling.
- Use products made in nut-free facilities if required.
- Clean utensils, cutting boards, and cookware thoroughly to prevent cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken, rice, and street corn separately and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowls just before serving.
Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient substitute.
Q3: What type of rice works best?
White rice, brown rice, cilantro-lime rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice all work well.
Q4: Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
Q5: Can I grill the chicken?
Yes. Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q6: Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, brown rice or cauliflower rice, and reduce the amount of cheese.
Q7: How should leftovers be stored?
Store the chicken, rice, and street corn in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add avocado and crema just before serving.
Q8: Can I freeze it?
The cooked chicken and rice freeze well for up to 2 months. The street corn mixture is best made fresh, as the creamy ingredients may separate after freezing.
Q9: What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese, queso fresco, or grated Parmesan are all good alternatives.
Q10: What side dishes pair well with a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Serve with:
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Guacamole
- Black bean salad
- Fresh fruit salad
- Grilled zucchini or peppers
- Pico de gallo
- Mexican coleslaw
- Lime wedges and extra cilantro
