Description
Mexican street corn meets chicken rice in this zesty one-pot meal. Creamy, spicy flavors combine with charred corn and tender chicken for a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Grains:
- 2 cups white rice
- 2 cups brown rice
Vegetables and Corn:
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Citrus and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon additional garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package instructions, allowing it to simmer until fluffy and tender.
- Season chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, ensuring even coating.
- Cook chicken in a hot grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Rest chicken for 2-3 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- For fresh corn, grill cobs until lightly charred, then slice kernels off. For canned or frozen corn, sauté in olive oil until golden and caramelized.
- Create lime crema by mixing sour cream, lime juice, and garlic powder, adjusting lime juice to desired tanginess.
- Construct bowls by layering rice as a base, topping with sliced chicken and corn kernels.
- Garnish with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle lime crema over the bowl and sprinkle additional chili powder for extra zest.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant and fresh flavors of this street corn chicken rice bowl.
Notes
- Perfectly char corn by patting kernels dry before grilling to prevent steaming and achieve maximum caramelization.
- Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the same bold, smoky flavor profile.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by cooking rice and marinating chicken simultaneously, reducing total cooking time and streamlining kitchen workflow.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or adding fresh jalapeños, allowing flexibility for spice-sensitive diners while maintaining recipe’s vibrant essence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg