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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Tender, seasoned chicken thighs over fluffy rice, topped with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a tangy lime-infused sauce inspired by Mexican street corn.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder for chicken marinade
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels grilled or charred
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese crumbled, plus extra for topping
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder for street corn topping
  • 3 cups cooked Jasmine rice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Wooden cutting board
  • Chef knife
  • mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken thighs and cook for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into chunks or strips.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine grilled corn, sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Add salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste, mixing well.
  5. If using leftover rice, add a splash of water (1 tablespoon per cup) and reheat in the microwave covered for 1-2 minutes or in a pan over low heat until warm and fluffy.
  6. To assemble, place rice in each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, a generous spoonful of street corn mixture, extra Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Add a lime wedge on the side.
  7. Serve warm with an optional final squeeze of lime juice over the top before eating.

Notes

For best results, char corn in a hot cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor. Marinate chicken for the full 30 minutes when possible. Store components separately in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
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