Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This healthy and delicious street corn chicken rice bowl is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes. Packed with vibrant flavors from Mexican street corn and tender chicken over fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying meal everyone will love. For another quick chicken idea, try these Mini Chicken Pot Pie Muffins Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant bowl combines smoky grilled chicken with zesty street corn, creamy avocado, and fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup grilled corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (feta works too)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl comes together about 25% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Mix the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—or up to 2 hours in the fridge—to absorb the flavors and tenderize.

Step 2 — Cook the Rice

Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to a saucepan with 2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth and a pinch of salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3 — Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking for 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Look for a golden-brown sear and clear juices when pierced. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Step 4 — Prepare the Street Corn Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned), ¼ cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lime juice, ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.

For extra flavor, lightly char the corn in a dry skillet before mixing. Season with chili powder and a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 5 — Assemble the Rice Bowls

Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with a portion of the grilled chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.

Drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle extra cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Step 6 — Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl immediately while warm. Pair with lime wedges and hot sauce for added zest.

This balanced meal offers protein, fiber, and fresh flavors—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	14g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Swap — Use grilled shrimp or black beans instead of chicken for a pescatarian or plant-based protein option.
• Lower-Carb Base — Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining texture.
• Dairy-Free Option — Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or avocado crema for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sodium Version — Use reduced-sodium cotija cheese and limit added salt, relying on fresh lime juice and herbs for flavor.
• Spice Adjustment — Reduce or omit chili powder for a milder version, or add fresh jalapeños for extra heat without sodium.
• Oil-Free Cooking — Grill or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying to cut down on added oils.
• Extra Veggies — Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to increase fiber and nutrients without altering the core flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with a side of fresh avocado slices or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with chilled Mexican beer or a refreshing agua fresca for a casual summer dinner.
• Perfect for meal prep—store components separately and assemble for quick, healthy weekday lunches.
• Great for potlucks and gatherings; serve in a large bowl with tortilla chips for scooping.
• For a festive touch, garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled cotija cheese right before serving.
• Transform into a wrap by spooning the mixture into large flour tortillas for an easy handheld option.

This versatile Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl adapts beautifully to different occasions, from a quick family dinner to entertaining guests with vibrant, flavorful food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken at 165°F (74°C) to ensure it stays juicy.
• Mistake: Using watery corn straight from the can, which makes the dish soggy. Fix: Pat the corn dry or, better yet, char it in a skillet for a smoky, authentic street corn flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting time for the chicken after cooking. Fix: Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the rice, leaving it bland against the flavorful toppings. Fix: Cook the rice in a flavorful broth and add a pinch of salt to the cooking water.
• Mistake: Applying the creamy sauce too early, causing it to become watery and separate. Fix: Toss the corn and chicken with the sauce just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken, which steams it instead of creating a golden crust. Fix: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets proper contact with the hot surface.
• Mistake: Using low-fat mayonnaise or sour cream in the sauce, which can lack richness and lead to a thin consistency. Fix: Stick with full-fat versions for a creamier, more stable sauce that clings to the ingredients.
• Mistake: Neglecting to balance the acidity in the dish, making it taste one-dimensional. Fix: A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished bowl brightens all the flavors.
• Mistake: Serving the rice piping hot, which can wilt fresh garnishes like cilantro. Fix: Let the rice cool slightly before assembling your Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Always ensure your Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl has cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain quality and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

This Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a complete, satisfying meal. For more chicken inspiration, try our Our Favorite Chicken Marinade Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more easy dinner ideas!

Print

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Print Recipe

A flavorful and nutritious dish featuring grilled chicken, street corn, and cilantro-lime rice, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

• Author: Unknown
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup grilled corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in a mixture of lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. Grill or cook the chicken in a skillet until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
3. Prepare street corn by mixing grilled corn kernels with diced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.
4. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
5. Assemble bowls with rice, sliced chicken, street corn mixture, and top with avocado slices and cilantro.

Notes

For added flavor, drizzle with a creamy Tajín-lime sauce and sprinkle with chili powder. You can also customize with additional toppings like diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 400
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 5
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 60

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble the bowl just before serving to keep the textures fresh and appealing.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the street corn topping?

For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt or a light sour cream for the mayonnaise. This swap maintains the creamy texture while keeping your Healthy and Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl nutritious and flavorful.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely, this bowl is excellent for meal prep. Simply divide the cooked rice, chicken, and street corn mixture into meal containers. Reheat the chicken and corn before assembling for the best taste and quality.