Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 jalapeño, minced (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning (or chili powder); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste; 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine, brown, or cilantro-lime rice); Sliced avocado; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges; Additional Cotija cheese

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 tablespoon olive oil (for corn)

1/4 cup mayonnaise (for corn mixture)

2 tablespoons sour cream (for corn mixture)

1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder (for corn mixture)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1 jalapeño, minced (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste (for corn mixture)

1/2 cup mayonnaise (for creamy sauce)

1/4 cup sour cream (for creamy sauce)

2 tablespoons lime juice (for creamy sauce)

1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning (or chili powder)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (for creamy sauce)

Salt to taste (for creamy sauce)

3 cups cooked rice (jasmine, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)

Sliced avocado

Fresh cilantro

Lime wedges

Additional Cotija cheese

Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook rice according to package directions. For cilantro-lime rice, stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice after cooking. Keep warm.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, Tajín, garlic powder, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Season chicken on both sides with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate, rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.

Step 5: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until charred and golden. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6: In a bowl, combine charred corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño if using. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of street corn mixture. Add sliced avocado, extra cilantro, and Cotija cheese. Drizzle with creamy sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that saves 15 minutes of cooking time.

Fresh corn off the cob gives the best char and flavor when available.

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days for best meal prep results.

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cheese.

Storage

Store the chicken, street corn mixture, and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble with fresh toppings before serving. The creamy sauce is best served cold and added just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before charring in the skillet for best results.

What type of rice is best for this bowl?

Jasmine, brown, or cilantro-lime rice all work great depending on your preference. Cilantro-lime rice adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the street corn perfectly.