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Street corn chicken bowl with sliced chicken, creamy charred corn mixture, rice, cotija cheese, and cilantro in white bowl

Street Corn Chicken Bowl

A flavorful weeknight dinner bowl featuring marinated chicken thighs, creamy charred Mexican street corn, and fluffy rice with bold spices and fresh toppings. Ready in 45 minutes to an hour.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 388

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder for marinade
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels will be charred
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sour cream reserve 2 tablespoons for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise full-fat preferred
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese plus extra for topping
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder for corn mixture
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice for corn mixture, to taste
  • 3 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cilantro-lime, prepared ahead
  • fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • lime wedges from 1 lime

Equipment

  • Skillet or cast iron pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add the 4 chicken thighs and massage the marinade into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.
  2. While the chicken marinates, heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen corn kernels and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels develop golden-brown charred spots. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, place the marinated chicken thighs without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until golden-brown on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  4. While chicken cooks, make the street corn mixture. In a bowl, combine charred corn, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/2 cup sour cream (minus 2 tablespoons for garnish), 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/2 cup cotija cheese, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Season with salt and pepper, add 1 tablespoon lime juice, and stir until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. If rice is cold, warm it in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water, covered with a damp paper towel, for 2 to 3 minutes. Or reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water over medium heat. Fluff with a fork.
  6. To assemble, divide warm rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken and a scoop of street corn mixture. Sprinkle extra cotija cheese and cilantro over top. Place lime wedges on the side. Drizzle reserved sour cream and add Tajín or chili powder if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Chicken and corn mixture freeze well for up to 3 months (skip freezing sour cream sauce). Recipe time assumes rice is already cooked. Total time is 50 minutes plus 20-25 minutes if cooking rice from scratch. Cotija cheese substitutes: feta, queso fresco, or parmesan.