Description
This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines juicy seasoned chicken, charred corn, creamy cotija cheese, and zesty lime over a bed of fluffy rice. Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), it’s an easy, satisfying one-bowl meal ideal for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or meal prep with a spicy, tangy kick.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt as a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Hot sauce or Tajín for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in diced chicken, season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
- Char the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn (drain first if using canned). Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly charred, stirring occasionally.
- Make Street Corn Mix: In a bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, half of the cotija cheese, and cilantro. Mix in the charred corn.
- Assemble Bowls: In each bowl, layer rice, cooked chicken, and street corn mix. Top with remaining cotija cheese, green onions, more cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Optional Garnishes: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with Tajín for extra flavor.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Make the street corn mix ahead and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
