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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: 5-Step Easy Dinner

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A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines charred corn, seasoned chicken, and fluffy rice with a creamy lime-cotija sauce, capturing the essence of Mexican street food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from 2–3 ears) or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 2 limes, juiced and zested
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until clear. Add to a saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and charred. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Divide rice among four bowls. Top with chicken and charred corn. Drizzle with lime sauce, sprinkle with Cotija cheese, extra chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh corn and let it char properly by not stirring too often. If using frozen corn, pat it dry before cooking. Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but breasts work if not overcooked. The recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure spices and mayo are certified gluten-free if needed. For dairy-free options, swap mayo for vegan alternative and cheese for nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn, chicken rice bowl, elote, mexican food, weeknight dinner, meal prep, easy recipes, charred corn, lime sauce

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/street-corn-chicken-rice-bowl-5-step-easy-dinner/