Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Corn Topping
- 2 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
Rice Base
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Garnishes & Extras
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of fresh lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour, to absorb the smoky and spicy flavors.
- Grill the Corn: While chicken marinates, grill the fresh corn on the cob over medium-high heat, turning regularly until lightly charred on all sides to bring out natural sweetness and smoky flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the white or brown rice according to package instructions until fluffy and set aside, warming slightly before assembling.
- Mix the Street Corn Topping: Cut grilled corn kernels off the cob and combine with mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chili powder, salt, and crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese to create a creamy, zesty topping.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside. Slice thinly for easy layering on the bowl.
- Assemble the Bowl: Layer warm cooked rice, sliced grilled chicken, and the creamy street corn topping in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and squeeze extra lime juice on top for brightness before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Rotate the corn frequently on the grill to achieve even char without burning.
- Warm rice before assembling the bowl to keep the meal comforting.
- Add fresh lime juice just before serving to preserve its bright tang.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, crumbled feta or parmesan are suitable substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: street corn, chicken rice bowl, grilled chicken, Mexican-inspired, smoky flavors, spicy chicken, summer recipe, easy dinner, healthy bowl