Easy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl

A Mexican-inspired meal that combines vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, the Easy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of street corn but wants a complete, filling dish. With tender, spiced chicken thighs, flavorful jasmine rice, and a creamy street corn topping, this dish delivers a balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness. It’s versatile enough for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with friends. The ingredients come together in an easy, step-by-step manner, making it simple for even the most novice cooks to create a delicious, impressive dish. From the smoky chicken to the zesty lime, every bite is packed with mouthwatering flavor. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to add or remove ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

The recipe is designed to be both quick and satisfying, so whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or something more special, you’ll impress with minimal effort. The combination of smoky chicken, creamy corn, and fresh toppings creates a meal that is not only visually appealing but full of exciting and bold flavors. It’s the perfect meal for Mexican food lovers and anyone looking to add some fun, flavor-packed dishes to their repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, Flavorful Chicken

The spiced chicken thighs are marinated with a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, and lime juice, delivering a savory and slightly smoky taste that elevates the dish.

this …

2. Delicious Street Corn Topping

Grilled corn, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and a touch of lime, brings a sweet and smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

3. Perfectly Cooked Rice

The rice base, cooked in chicken broth with butter and salt, adds a savory foundation for the entire bowl, soaking up all the flavors from the chicken and street corn.

4. Customizable and Versatile

This dish can be easily modified to suit dietary preferences—make it vegetarian with tofu or tempeh, or use dairy-free alternatives for the creamy sauce.

5. Easy to Prepare

With straightforward steps, this dish is simple to put together yet looks and tastes like something you’d get from a restaurant, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• Lime juice

For the Rice Base:

• Jasmine or basmati rice
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Salt

For the Street Corn Topping:

• Corn kernels
• Butter
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Lime juice
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh cilantro

For the Garnish:

• Diced avocado
• Diced red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or a combination of beans for a protein-rich option.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the rice and toppings are all gluten-free, and opt for a gluten-free mayonnaise for the creamy sauce.
• Vegan: Swap feta cheese for a plant-based cheese and use dairy-free yogurt or avocado for the creamy sauce.
• Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for extra heat in the chicken and street corn.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill or pan-fry the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn

Grill fresh corn or sauté canned or frozen corn kernels in a pan with butter, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. Stir until the corn is well-coated with the spices and heated through.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowl

Layer cooked rice, sliced chicken, corn, crumbled feta cheese, and the creamy sauce in a bowl. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Finish the bowl by adding diced avocado, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Maintain the Right Temperature: Serve this dish warm to enjoy the full, rich flavor.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor, especially for the chicken and corn.
• Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, though longer is better.
• Use Fresh Corn: If possible, use fresh grilled corn for an added smoky taste. If using frozen or canned corn, make sure it’s well-drained and sautéed to avoid excess moisture.

How to Serve

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is perfect on its own but can also be paired with a side of chips and salsa or a refreshing salad. The versatility of the dish makes it a great option for any meal, from casual dinners to more festive gatherings. You can serve it in individual bowls for a family meal or buffet-style for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and rice bowl components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep the dish longer, you can freeze the rice and chicken (without the garnishes) for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to freeze them in separate containers for easier reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw any frozen components overnight in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and rice until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For best results, reheat the corn in a skillet to keep it crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness.

2. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use tofu or tempeh for the protein and plant-based substitutes for cheese and yogurt.

3. How do I make the creamy sauce without mayo?

You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan yogurt as a base for the creamy sauce.

4. Can I use frozen corn for the street corn topping?

Yes, frozen corn can be used. Just sauté it until it’s heated through and slightly browned.

5. Can I prepare the rice in advance?

Yes, you can cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bowl.

6. How do I add more spice to the dish?

Add more cayenne pepper or include chopped jalapeños in the chicken marinade or as a topping.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free rice and ensure the mayonnaise and other ingredients are gluten-free.

8. How long should I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for more flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, if you don’t have feta, cotija cheese works well as a substitute.

10. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken or the street corn topping for additional heat.

Conclusion

The Easy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a delicious, flavor-packed meal that brings the vibrant, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn to the forefront. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or looking for something to impress at your next gathering, this recipe delivers. With its flexibility in substitutions and customization options, it’s perfect for a variety of diets and preferences. Simple to make and loaded with bold flavors, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.

Print