Description
A flavorful and vibrant chicken rice bowl topped with smoky street corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a zesty lime kick. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that brings a touch of summer to your table!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled or frozen)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup sour cream (save half for topping)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Rice and Assembly:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better when cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade is well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated, then let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour for more intense flavor.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little avocado oil to the pan.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces for serving.
-
Prepare the Street Corn Topping:
- If using frozen corn, cook it according to the package instructions. If using fresh corn, grill it over medium heat until charred, or sauté it in a pan for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Once the corn is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the thinly sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Stir to combine, ensuring the corn is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze in a bit of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
-
Assemble the Rice Bowl:
- Scoop cooked rice into individual serving bowls. You can use any type of rice you prefer, but white or brown rice works best.
- Top the rice with a portion of the grilled chicken slices.
- Spoon the street corn mixture generously over the chicken and rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional Cotija cheese, if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed! You can add a side of avocado, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors in each bite.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! The street corn topping can be made ahead for convenience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with additional veggies like avocado or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken rice bowl, street corn, Mexican chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken meal