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Street Corn Chicken Bowl

This Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowl is the ultimate solution for busy nights when you want bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Juicy lime-marinated chicken, creamy street corn, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings come together in one satisfying bowl that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Inspired by Mexican street corn, this recipe delivers smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and minimal cleanup—this bowl checks all the boxes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Lime-Spiced Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Creamy Street Corn Blend
  • 1 cup sweet corn grilled or pan-seared from frozen
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ cup sour cream set a little aside for topping
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese plus more for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice adjust as needed
  • Bowl Add-Ins
  • 3 cups cooked rice any kind you like
  • Fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra sour cream and Cotija for garnish

Method
 

1. Flavor the Chicken

Whisk lime juice, oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss until every piece is well coated. Cover and chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors sink in.

    2. Sear & Slice

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden and cooked through—about 8–10 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice into strips to lock in the juices.

      3. Make the Street Corn Mixture

      In a bowl, combine corn, red onion, sour cream, mayo, Cotija, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir until creamy and evenly mixed.

      Pro tip: Make this while the chicken cooks to save time.

        4. Warm the Rice

        Reheat the rice with a splash of water until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and, if you want, stir in a little chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

          5. Build the Bowls

          Spoon rice into bowls, top with sliced chicken, then add a generous scoop of street corn. Finish with extra cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of reserved sour cream. Add Tajín or chili powder if you’re feeling bold.

            Notes

            🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

            Refrigerator:
             Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For best texture, keep rice separate from chicken and corn. Stir the corn mix before serving if it loosens.
            Freezer:
             Freeze chicken and corn (without sour cream) for up to 3 months. Make fresh rice and add dairy toppings after reheating.
            Reheating:
             Microwave for 2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

            ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

            • Overcooking the chicken → pull it at 165°F for juicy results
            • Using frozen corn straight from the bag → thaw and char it first
            • Leaving rice unseasoned → salt + lime = flavor boost
            • Adding Cotija too early → it melts and turns soggy

            ❓ FAQs

            Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
             Yes! Just reduce cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
            Is this bowl spicy?
             Mild by default. Add cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce if you want heat.
            What rice works best?
             White, brown, jasmine, cilantro-lime, or even cauliflower rice.
            Can I make this dairy-free?
             Swap sour cream and mayo for dairy-free versions and skip Cotija.
            Is it good for meal prep?
             Absolutely—this bowl was made for leftovers.

            ✨ Final Thoughts

            This street corn chicken bowl hits that sweet spot between fast, filling, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want something satisfying without a ton of effort. Simple ingredients, bold taste, and zero stress—exactly how dinner should be. 🌽🍗