Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 ears of corn on the cob (or 2 cups frozen corn kernels)

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)

1 avocado, sliced (optional)

Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2: Coat the chicken breasts or thighs with the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.

Step 5: For fresh corn, grill the ears for about 10 minutes, turning every few minutes until charred evenly. For frozen corn, sauté in butter until golden and heated through.

Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese or feta, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to make the street corn mixture.

Step 7: Spoon cooked rice into bowls as the base layer.

Step 8: Top the rice with sliced chicken, followed by a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture.

Step 9: Optionally, add sliced avocado, fresh lime wedges, and extra cilantro for garnish.

Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful street corn chicken rice bowl!

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use a grill to cook the chicken and corn.

Substitute cotija cheese with feta for a similar tangy taste if cotija is unavailable.

Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added heat.

Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier, fiber-rich option.

To make it vegetarian, swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn mixture a few hours ahead. However, it’s best to assemble the bowls just before eating to maintain freshness, especially if using avocado.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese is hard to find, feta cheese makes a great substitute as it has a similar salty and crumbly texture that complements the street corn flavors well.