Description
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? These Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls bring the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn to your table in just 30 minutes. Juicy grilled chicken, lime-cilantro rice, and a creamy corn topping inspired by elote come together in a bowl that’s fresh, tangy, and totally customizable—perfect for busy families and meal prep alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
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2 cups white rice (jasmine or basmati)
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4 cups chicken broth (or water)
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 lime, zested and juiced
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Street Corn Topping:
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3 cups frozen corn, thawed (or kernels from 4 fresh cobs)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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⅓ cup mayonnaise
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⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
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½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
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1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
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¼ cup finely chopped red onion
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 lime, juiced
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
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Sliced avocado
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Extra cilantro
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Lime wedges
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Extra cotija cheese
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Hot sauce
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken (10 minutes):
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate while preparing other ingredients, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
2. Cook the Rice (20 minutes):
Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in butter, lime zest, juice, cilantro, and salt.
3. Cook the Chicken (10–12 minutes):
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F). Let rest, then slice into strips.
4. Prepare the Street Corn Topping (10 minutes):
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook corn until lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool slightly. In a bowl, mix mayo, sour cream, cheese, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Fold in corn. Season to taste.
5. Assemble the Bowls (5 minutes):
Layer lime-cilantro rice, sliced chicken, and generous scoops of the corn topping. Add desired garnishes. Serve immediately or portion into meal prep containers.
Notes
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Time-saving: Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
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Vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans sautéed in taco seasoning.
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Spicier: Keep jalapeño seeds or add cayenne.
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Make-ahead: Store components separately for up to 4 days.
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One-pan tip: Cook chicken, then char corn in the same skillet—less cleanup, great flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner Ideas
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: street corn bowl, elote bowl, Mexican rice bowl, easy chicken dinner