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Chicken Street Corn Rice Bowls

Chicken street corn rice bowl with spiced chicken and zesty lime crema

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These protein-packed bowls combine smoky, spiced chicken and charred corn over fluffy rice, all brought together with a cool, zesty lime crema. It's a balanced, flavor-filled meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The recipe is highly customizable and perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked (or 3 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed and patted dry)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons cotija cheese, crumbled (feta is a great substitute)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Char the corn. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add corn kernels and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to char, then stir and cook another 4-5 minutes until tender and blistered.
  4. Make the lime crema. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  5. Assemble the bowls. Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with cooked chicken and charred corn. Drizzle generously with lime crema. Garnish with cilantro, crumbled cotija, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For the best sear, avoid crowding the pan when cooking the chicken. Let the corn sit undisturbed to develop a good char. The lime zest is essential for maximum flavor in the crema. Store components separately for easy meal prep.

Nutrition