Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

If you’re craving a hearty yet refreshing dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. This delightful rice bowl features juicy, seasoned chicken thighs, creamy street corn, and a variety of zesty toppings. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or impress guests with a flavorful dish, this rice bowl is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you could ask for in a satisfying meal: flavorful, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. The grilled corn topping, combined with the creamy sour cream and mayonnaise mixture, brings the familiar taste of Mexican street corn into every bite. The seasoned chicken thighs bring a juicy and smoky contrast to the creamy corn, while the rice serves as the perfect base to soak up all those delicious flavors. Garnish it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, bright finish. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can adjust the toppings to your liking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping:

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels, grilled if possible (or frozen)

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1 cup sour cream (save half for drizzling)

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 tsp 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Season and Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade and let them rest for 15–30 minutes in the fridge.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for 8–10 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and browned. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

3. Prepare the Street Corn Topping:
   In a medium bowl, mix together the grilled corn (or frozen corn if grilling isn’t an option), thinly sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.

4. Prepare the Rice:
   If you’re reheating cooked rice, add a splash of water to it and heat until it’s warm and fluffy. If cooking fresh rice, prepare 3 cups as per your usual method.

5. Assemble the Bowls:
   Start by adding a generous amount of rice to each bowl. Top with slices of the cooked chicken, then add a hearty scoop of the street corn topping. Sprinkle with extra Cotija cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

6. Optional:
   For extra flavor, drizzle more sour cream on top or sprinkle with Tajín seasoning.

7. Serve Warm:
   Serve immediately with a squeeze of lime for the perfect finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. The chicken needs 15–30 minutes to marinate, and the rest of the cooking comes together in about 20 minutes, making this a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or another plant-based protein for a meatless version.

• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the street corn mixture for a spicy boost.

• Grilled Chicken: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken thighs instead of cooking them on the stove.

• Rice Variations: Use brown rice or quinoa for a more nutrient-dense base.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The street corn mixture, chicken, and rice will keep for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the rice in the microwave or on the stove with a little water. Heat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through, and serve with the street corn topping.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts tend to cook faster.

Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prep the components of the dish ahead of time—marinate the chicken, prepare the street corn topping, and cook the rice. Just assemble everything just before serving for the freshest result.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the street corn topping or increase the amount of chili powder used in the chicken marinade.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works great if fresh or grilled corn is unavailable. Just make sure to cook it until heated through before mixing it into the street corn topping.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will give the topping a slightly tangy flavor.

Can I add other toppings to the bowls?

Absolutely! Consider adding diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure your ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also check by cutting into the thickest part to make sure the juices run clear.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Add black beans or a side of tortilla chips to make this dish even heartier.

Can I make this dish in a bowl for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare individual servings and store them in containers in the fridge for a few days of tasty meals.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor. From the smoky, spiced chicken thighs to the creamy, tangy street corn topping, every bite is an explosion of taste. This recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with some variations, this rice bowl is sure to be a hit!