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Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls with grilled chicken, charred corn, and creamy crema, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.

Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls are a perfect balance of smoky charred corn, juicy grilled chicken, and creamy lime crema. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner with big flavors. The combination of fresh cilantro, lime, and just the right amount of spice makes this dish a crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken Thighs or Breasts – 450-600g (about 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken also works)

  • Corn Kernels – 3 cups (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • Cooked Rice – 2 cups (white rice, brown rice, or microwave pouch)

  • Lime – 2 juicy limes (for zest and juice)

  • Garlic – 2 small cloves (1 for the chicken marinade, 1 for the crema)

  • Spices:

    • 1 tsp chili powder or Tajin

    • 1 tsp smoked paprika

    • 0.5 tsp cumin

    • 1 tsp kosher salt

    • 1 tsp black pepper

  • Oil – 2 tablespoons (avocado oil recommended for high-heat cooking)

For the Street Corn Crema:

  • 3 tablespoons mayo

  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 small garlic clove, grated

  • Pinch of chili powder or Tajin (optional)

Toppings:

  • Cotija cheese (about 60g, crumbled) or feta cheese

  • Fresh cilantro, scallions, jalapeños (optional)

  • Extra lime wedges


Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice:

    • If using regular rice, combine 1 cup uncooked rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Simmer, then let it rest for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

    • If using microwave rice, follow the packet instructions.

  2. Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, pepper, minced garlic, lime zest and juice, and honey. Add the chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.

  3. Char the Corn:

    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Add corn kernels and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 5-7 minutes to get those beautiful charred spots. Stir occasionally.

  4. Cook the Chicken:

    • In the same skillet, add oil if needed and cook the marinated chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side until browned and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

  5. Make the Crema:

    • In a small bowl, mix together mayo, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic, and chili powder. Thin it with a little water to reach the desired consistency.

  6. Assemble the Bowls:

    • Spoon rice into bowls, then top with chopped chicken and charred corn. Drizzle with crema, sprinkle with cotija cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro, scallions, jalapeños, and extra lime wedges.

Notes

  • Rice Alternatives: If rice feels like too much, try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous for a lighter option.

  • Crema Variations: You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream in the crema. If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili powder.

  • Make-Ahead: Cook the chicken and rice ahead of time to save even more time during the week.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 500 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg