This Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a celebration of flavors and textures. The juicy, marinated grilled chicken is packed with smoky, citrusy notes, perfectly complementing the fluffy cilantro lime rice. The star of the dish is the creamy street corn topping, bringing a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy contrast to every bite.
Customizable and easy to make, this bowl is great for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Whether you add extra heat with jalapeños or keep it mild with fresh avocado, every spoonful delivers a burst of fresh, bold flavors. Serve it with a side of lime wedges and your favorite toppings for a restaurant quality meal at home!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (about 4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra crumbled cotija cheese
- Additional lime wedges
Directions:
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
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Prepare the Street Corn:
- If using fresh corn, grill the cobs until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off.
- If using frozen or canned corn, heat the kernels in a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and cotija cheese.
- Stir the warm corn kernels into the mixture until fully coated. Add fresh cilantro and mix well.
-
Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro until well combined.
-
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls.
- Top each bowl with sliced chicken and a generous portion of the street corn mixture.
- Add any optional toppings like avocado slices, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, extra cotija cheese, and lime wedges.
-
Serve:
- Enjoy the bowls warm with extra lime wedges for a burst of fresh citrus!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 4
Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice
When it comes to a meal that perfectly balances bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, the Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl stands out as a top contender. This dish brings together the smoky, slightly spicy notes of grilled chicken, the creamy richness of street corn, and the refreshing zing of cilantro lime rice, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that makes every bite exciting.
Inspired by the popular Mexican street food elote (Mexican street corn) and the growing trend of healthy, customizable rice bowls, this dish is perfect for those who love to enjoy restaurant quality meals at home. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for family, or simply looking to elevate your usual weeknight dinner routine, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The grilled chicken is marinated in a smoky blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and lime juice, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a depth of taste that pairs beautifully with the rest of the dish.
The street corn mixture is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy delight, thanks to a combination of cotija cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of lime. This creamy contrast complements the grilled chicken, adding an indulgent texture without being overly heavy.
Finally, the cilantro-lime rice ties everything together with its light, citrusy notes, bringing a refreshing element to the bowl. The bright flavors of lime and fresh cilantro cut through the richness of the corn and chicken, making each bite feel perfectly balanced.
2. A Nutrient-Packed Meal
Not only is this bowl incredibly delicious, but it also provides a well rounded and nutritious meal.
- Lean Protein: The grilled chicken is an excellent source of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
- Healthy Carbohydrates: Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa, the base of this bowl offers sustained energy.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: The corn provides fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while the fresh toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro add additional nutrients.
- Good Fats: The inclusion of avocado and cotija cheese provides healthy fats that enhance both flavor and texture.
This combination makes the Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a wholesome meal that fits into various diets, whether you’re looking for a high-protein dish, a balanced post-workout meal, or simply a delicious, well-rounded dinner.
3. Highly Customizable for Different Diets
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to modify based on dietary preferences or restrictions:
- Low-Carb Option: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce to create a low carb version that’s equally delicious.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip the cheese and use dairy-free sour cream or a drizzle of tahini for a creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or black beans for a plant based alternative.
- Extra Heat: Love spice? Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
4. Ideal for Meal Prep and Quick Dinners
This recipe is meal-prep friendly, making it a great option for busy schedules. You can:
- Marinate the chicken in advance (up to 24 hours) for an even deeper flavor.
- Prepare the rice and street corn mixture ahead of time and store them in separate containers.
- Assemble bowls quickly throughout the week for a fresh, homemade meal in under 10 minutes.
Because the individual components store well in the fridge, this dish makes weekday lunches and dinners effortless.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
With so many rice bowl recipes out there, what makes this one truly special? It’s all in the Mexican-inspired street corn topping.
The creamy, tangy, slightly smoky, and cheesy street corn elevates this dish from a simple chicken and rice meal to a gourmet-level experience. The blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder gives this corn topping a richness that complements the juicy grilled chicken and fluffy rice.
Not to mention, the charred corn kernels add a sweet and smoky dimension, making the dish even more exciting. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, charring it in a pan or on the grill enhances its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
The Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience with some delicious sides and drinks:
- Sides: Serve with a side of warm tortillas, tortilla chips with guacamole, or a fresh mango salsa for added variety.
- Drinks: Pair it with a refreshing agua fresca, a cold margarita, or a light Mexican beer to complement the smoky and tangy flavors.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with something light and sweet like churros, a scoop of coconut sorbet, or a fruit salad with honey and lime.
Storage and Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This dish is just as delicious the next day:
- Chicken: Store grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Street Corn Mixture: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, but enjoy it cold for the best flavor.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: Store separately and reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
For best results, assemble the bowls fresh each time by layering the warmed chicken and rice with the chilled street corn and toppings.
Conclusion:
The Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive dish for guests, or a meal-prep option for the week, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
With its smoky grilled chicken, creamy and tangy street corn, and refreshing cilantro-lime rice, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Plus, the easy customizations allow you to tailor it to your personal taste and dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s delicious, filling, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, this is the recipe to try. Enjoy it today, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!