Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the street corn chicken rice bowl?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and quickly sauté it with the recipe’s spices in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors without overcooking. It’s an easy way to maintain a fresh taste while cutting down on prep time.

How can I adjust the spice level in the street corn chicken rice bowl?

The dish is typically mildly spicy. To reduce heat, you can cut back or omit chili powder. If you prefer more spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting these ingredients allows you to customize the flavor to your taste while keeping the dish balanced.

What are good substitutes for cotija cheese in this recipe?

Feta cheese is an excellent substitute as it offers a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, sprinkle nutritional yeast combined with a bit of sea salt. Both options help retain the characteristic tangy taste without compromising the dish’s flavor profile.

Can I prepare parts of the street corn chicken rice bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, street corn mixture, and rice separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble the bowl just before serving to keep textures fresh and flavors vibrant. This makes it a convenient meal for busy days.

What’s the best way to keep avocado fresh in the rice bowl?

To prevent avocado slices from browning, toss them lightly with fresh lime juice before adding to the bowl. The lime’s acidity slows oxidation, keeping the avocado bright and flavorful. Add the avocado just before serving for the best texture and appearance.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe with Healthy Easy Meals

Name: Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Bowls with Healthy Rice for Easy Meals
Prep time: PT-486131H36M18S
Cook time: PT-486131H36M18S
Total time: PT-486131H36M18S
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 1 lb chicken breast diced, or 2 lbs chicken breasts/tenderloins cut into chunks); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 to 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; 1 tablespoon chili powder (or 1 teaspoon chili powder + 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + 1 teaspoon cumin powder); ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (optional); 1 to 2 cups sweet corn kernels, grilled or charred (fresh, frozen, or canned); ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional); ¼ to 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (reserve some for drizzling); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional); ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta or queso fresco); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon lime zest (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños (optional); 2 to 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, cauliflower rice, or quinoa); 1 avocado, diced or sliced; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional); Lime wedges for serving; Optional toppings: Tajín seasoning, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, sliced green onions, hot sauce or sriracha

Description

🌽 Flavorful Street Corn Chicken Bowls combine juicy spiced chicken with creamy, tangy street corn for a satisfying and balanced meal.
🍗 This easy recipe pairs healthy rice with fresh avocado and vibrant toppings, perfect for quick, nutritious bowls any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 1 lb chicken breast diced, or 2 lbs chicken breasts/tenderloins cut into chunks)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 to 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon chili powder (or 1 teaspoon chili powder + 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + 1 teaspoon cumin powder)
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (optional)

For the Street Corn Topping:
1 to 2 cups sweet corn kernels, grilled or charred (fresh, frozen, or canned)
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
¼ to 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (reserve some for drizzling)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta or queso fresco)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon lime zest (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños (optional)

For the Rice and Assembly:
2 to 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, cauliflower rice, or quinoa)
1 avocado, diced or sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for serving
Optional toppings: Tajín seasoning, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, sliced green onions, hot sauce or sriracha

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by mixing lime juice, olive or avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder (or blackened seasoning), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken thighs or breast chunks and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook chicken thighs 8-10 minutes per side or chicken breast chunks 3-6 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Rest, then slice or leave in chunks.
3. Grill or sauté corn kernels in a hot pan until slightly charred. Mix with red onion, sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Add jalapeños or cayenne for heat if desired.
4. Warm cooked rice with a splash of water.
5. Assemble bowls with rice base, top with chicken, then street corn mixture, avocado, and any additional toppings. Garnish with lime wedges and drizzle sour cream or sprinkle Tajín as preferred.
6. Serve warm with extra lime juice.

Notes

🌽 Char or grill corn kernels to achieve authentic smoky street corn flavor.
🍋 Use fresh lime juice in marinade and toppings for bright, fresh flavors.
🌶️ Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to corn topping for extra spice and heat.

Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Marinating and Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 512 kcal
Fat: 28.2 g
Carbohydrates: 43.5 g
Protein: 22.6 g

Keywords: Street Corn Chicken,Bowl Recipe,Healthy Rice,Casual Meals