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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Spiced chicken, charred street corn in a creamy lime crema, and fluffy rice topped with cotija, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Bold, satisfying, and ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces thighs stay juicier
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp chili powder for chicken marinade
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for chicken marinade
  • 1 tsp cumin for chicken marinade
  • 1 tsp garlic powder for chicken marinade
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 whole lime, juiced for marinade
  • 2 1/2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels pat dry if using canned
  • 1/4 whole red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced optional
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise for crema sauce
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream for crema sauce
  • 2 tsp tajín or chili-lime seasoning
  • 1 whole lime, juiced for crema sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked white rice cilantro-lime rice for extra flavor
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled substitute feta if unavailable
  • 1 whole ripe avocado, sliced or diced add fresh just before serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • 1 whole lime, cut into wedges to serve

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Instant-Read Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rest for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Make the crema sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, tajín, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Work in a single layer in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal). Set aside.
  4. Char the corn in the same skillet over high heat with a little oil. Add corn, red onion, and jalapeño. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are slightly charred.
  5. Add garlic to the corn and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in half the crema sauce until the corn mixture is well coated.
  6. Assemble each bowl with a base of rice, top with chicken and a big scoop of street corn. Add avocado slices, crumbled cotija, and fresh cilantro.
  7. Drizzle the remaining crema sauce over the top and serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts at high heat - recommended for best texture.
  • Pat corn dry before adding to the skillet for better charring.
  • Store components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days - add avocado fresh each time.
  • Add crushed tortilla chips on top for a nachos-style crunch.
  • Substitute rice with couscous or cauliflower rice for a different base.