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Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Spiced chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and creamy charred street corn come together in one satisfying bowl ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for chicken
  • 1/2 lime juiced, for marinade
  • 1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice
  • 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for rice
  • 1 lime juiced, for rice
  • 2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned fire-roasted
  • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or Tajín seasoning for street corn
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • sliced avocado, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges optional toppings

Equipment

  • Medium pot with lid
  • large skillet
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Let sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep other components.
  2. Combine rice, water or broth, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the corn kernels. Cook for 3-5 minutes without stirring much at first to develop char marks.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chili powder or Tajín. Stir this dressing into the charred corn along with the crumbled cotija cheese.
  6. Build bowls by starting with cilantro-lime rice as the base. Top with seasoned chicken and creamy street corn mixture.
  7. Add sliced avocado, extra cilantro, pickled red onions if using, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store chicken, rice, and corn separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep avocado and lime fresh for day of serving. Substitutions: Use cauliflower rice for low-carb option. Feta can replace cotija cheese. Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts. Pro Tip: Use Tajín Clásico seasoning in the corn mixture for authentic street corn flavor. Cook rice in chicken broth instead of water for extra depth.