This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is like a party in a dish! Imagine tender, marinated chicken paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite. It showcases the sweet crunch of corn, the tang from lime, and the indulgent creaminess of Cotija cheese. It’s truly a recipe that captures the essence of street food—the kind that brings people together, one delicious bowl at a time.
Jump to:
Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish makes an impression. You can layer on your favorite toppings and customize each bowl just the way you like it. Plus, the fresh flavors and easy preparation will make cooking a fun and rewarding experience. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Why This Recipe Works
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender, marinated chicken with a medley of fresh ingredients, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The tangy lime sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, while the creamy Cotija cheese adds indulgent richness. Each element harmonizes to form a dish that’s as delicious as it is filling, making it an ideal choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfectly customizable, it allows you to layer your favorite toppings, and it offers the fresh, vibrant flavors of street food right in your home. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish will impress everyone! It invites creativity, so you get to mix and match flavors that tickle your taste buds, ensuring everyone’s happy at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible; frozen is fine)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder (for topping)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Marinate the Chicken
First up, let’s marinate that chicken! In a bowl, mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavor mix works wonders! Toss in the chicken thighs and poke them around until they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. This wait helps those flavors marry beautifully.
Cook the Chicken
Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each chicken thigh for about 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and have reached the perfect internal temperature. Let them rest for a few minutes on a cutting board, then slice them into strips. Easy peasy!
Prepare the Street Corn Topping
While the chicken rests, let’s whip up the street corn topping. In a separate bowl, combine the grilled corn, sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lime juice. This creamy corn mix is what makes this bowl truly special!
Reheat the Rice
For the rice, add the cooked rice to a saucepan with a splash of water. Cover it up and let it heat until warm and fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes. Fluffy rice creates the perfect base for your bowl!
Assemble the Bowls
Now comes the fun part—assembling your bowls! Start with a generous base of rice in each serving bowl. Next, add your sliced chicken over the rice, and then pile on the street corn topping. Don’t be shy with the Cotija cheese; you want that creamy goodness! Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. Voilà—your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to shine!
Serve
Enjoy the bowl warm with an optional squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor. Every bite bursts with fresh tastes that are sure to brighten your day.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with avocado slices for added creaminess.
- Serve alongside black beans for a heartier meal.
- Add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Tips for Success
- Grilling the corn enhances its natural sweetness; if using frozen corn, consider sautéing it until slightly charred for added flavor.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to several hours) intensifies the taste.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning on the street corn topping before serving to get it just right.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for grilled shrimp or cubed tofu for a different protein option.
- Use brown rice or quinoa as a base for a healthier twist.
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or cheddar. The options are endless!
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the chicken and corn mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and toppings in advance. Just assemble the bowl right before serving for the best experience.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the chili powder for more heat according to your preference.
3. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned corn works well; just remember to rinse and drain it before using.
4. What can I use if I can’t find Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute, offering a similar crumbly texture that works beautifully in this dish.
5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or seasoned beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. The customization options allow everyone to tailor their bowl to their liking, ensuring that each serving is as unique as the person enjoying it. Now, get ready to impress your friends and enjoy every mouthful!
More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken
- Chicken and Asparagus Fettuccine
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Easy, Flavorful, and Authentic
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl features marinated chicken, sweet corn, and tangy lime sauce, offering a delightful blend of flavors for any occasion.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible; frozen is fine)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder (for topping)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in lime juice, avocado oil, and spices for 15-30 minutes.
- Cook chicken in a skillet for 8-10 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Mix grilled corn, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija, and spices for the topping.
- Reheat cooked rice in a saucepan with a splash of water until warm.
- Assemble bowls with rice, sliced chicken, corn topping, Cotija, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
For added sweetness, grill the corn before mixing.
Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavors.
Feel free to adjust seasoning to personal taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 135
