Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Crafting a delectable street corn chicken rice bowl brings vibrant flavors dancing across your plate.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle with tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Zesty spices create a melodic harmony that awakens taste buds instantly.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this colorful culinary adventure.

Creamy textures and bold seasonings promise a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fresh cilantro and lime juice add bright, tangy notes to each delightful bite.

You’ll want to savor every incredible spoonful of this irresistible bowl.

Why Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Is A Favorite

• Quick Marination Magic: Infuse chicken with zesty lime and spices in just minutes, creating a flavor-packed base that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.
• One-Pan Chicken Perfection: Simplify cooking with a single skillet method that delivers golden, juicy chicken strips without complicated techniques or multiple kitchen tools.
• Customize Your Bowl Carnival: Build personalized rice bowls with vibrant street corn topping, allowing everyone to mix and match flavors according to their taste preferences and appetite.
• Fresh Flavor Explosion: Combine Mexican-inspired ingredients like Cotija cheese, cilantro, and street corn topping that bring bright, tangy notes to every delicious bite.

Everything In Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for the rice bowl.

• Lime Juice, Avocado Oil, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A zesty and spicy mixture that adds depth and enhances the chicken's flavor.

• Rice: Warm and fluffy foundation of the dish that provides a satisfying base for the bowl.

• Grilled Corn, Red Onion, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Cotija Cheese, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper, Lime Juice: A creamy and tangy mixture that adds Mexican street corn-style flavor and texture to the bowl.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Extra Cotija Cheese: Bright, fresh elements that add final touches of color, zest, and additional flavor to the dish.

Steps To Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavors.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice into tender strips.

Step 3: Create Street Corn Topping

• Grilled corn
• Diced red onion
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese
• Chili powder

Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice to enhance taste.

Step 4: Warm The Rice

Reheat cooked rice with water splash, stirring until warm and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble The Bowl

• Sliced chicken strips
• Generous street corn mixture
• Extra Cotija cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Garnish with lime wedges for bright, zesty finish.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Serve immediately while ingredients are warm. Optional lime squeeze adds extra tangy brightness.

Helpful Tricks For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in the zesty lime and spice mixture for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and infuse deep, bold flavors throughout the meat.
• Perfectly Grill Chicken: Cook chicken on medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and fully cooked, ensuring no raw spots remain.
• Cheese Matters: Use fresh Cotija cheese for authentic Mexican street corn taste, crumbling it generously to add a tangy, salty punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust chili powder quantity to control spiciness, allowing everyone from mild-loving to heat-seeking eaters to enjoy the recipe comfortably.

Ways To Change Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Vegetarian Corn Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, marinated with same spice blend for protein-packed alternative.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Swap chicken for seared shrimp or white fish, using similar marinade and maintaining zesty street corn topping.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Bowl: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, include black beans, and incorporate chipotle sauce for extra heat and authentic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Health Bowl: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and select corn and proteins carefully to maintain dietary restrictions.

What To Serve With Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend tequila, fresh lime juice, and a hint of agave for a tangy cocktail that perfectly complements the Mexican-inspired flavors of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
• Enhance with Crisp Slaw Salad: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light citrus vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch that balances the rich, creamy street corn topping.
• Match with Mexican Beer Pairing: Reach for a cold Corona or Modelo Especial, whose light, crisp profile cuts through the dish's bold spices and creamy textures.

How To Store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Safely

• Store leftover chicken, corn topping, and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor mixing.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, and reheat rice separately with a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Freeze individual components in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl FAQs To Know

• What makes the marinade special?

The combination of lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, and garlic powder creates a tangy and spicy flavor profile that tenderizes and infuses the chicken with bold Mexican-inspired taste.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

While Cotija is traditional, you can substitute it with queso fresco or feta cheese for a similar creamy and salty element in the street corn topping.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 36-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets zesty chicken and fluffy rice in this flavor-packed bowl that blends smoky, creamy, and tangy elements. Corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro elevate this simple meal into a celebration of bold southwestern cuisine you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless (skinless) chicken thighs

Corn and Dairy Topping:

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion

Base and Seasonings:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for chicken)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for corn topping)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• 1 lime (cut into wedges)
• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in a zesty blend of lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Allow chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into tender strips against the grain.
4. Create street corn topping by mixing grilled corn kernels with finely diced red onion, creamy sour cream, tangy mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
5. Season street corn mixture with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
6. Gently reheat rice with a splash of water, fluffing with a fork until warm and light.
7. Assemble bowls by layering warm rice as the base, arranging sliced chicken on top.
8. Generously spoon street corn mixture over the chicken, creating a vibrant and colorful presentation.
9. Garnish with additional crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
10. Serve immediately while ingredients are warm, with an optional final squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for the full 30 minutes, letting spices penetrate deeply.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Customize this dish easily by substituting chicken with grilled tofu or shrimp for vegetarian or seafood variations.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal, storing marinated chicken and corn topping separately in airtight containers for easy assembly.

• Prep Time: 20-35 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 507 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg