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Street corn chicken rice bowl with charred corn, sliced chicken thighs, cotija cheese, and lime crema over cilantro rice

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Smoky marinated chicken thighs, charred street corn with cotija cheese, fluffy cilantro lime rice, and a tangy lime crema all assembled into one bold and satisfying bowl.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder for chicken marinade
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lime juice only, for marinade
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for rice
  • 1 lime zested and juiced, for rice
  • 3 ears fresh corn or 2 cups frozen corn
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder for corn topping
  • 0.5 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1 lime juice only, for crema
  • pinch of salt for crema
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Pot or rice cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cast iron skillet

Method
 

  1. Combine chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Cook jasmine rice in chicken broth on the stovetop according to package directions, about 15 to 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork and fold in chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. Keep warm and covered.
  3. Grill fresh corn over high heat, turning every 2 minutes, until charred on multiple sides, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Cool slightly and cut kernels from cob. For frozen corn, spread in a single layer in a dry cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden spots appear. Toss corn with mayonnaise and chili powder.
  4. Grill or sear marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden with char marks and cooked through to 165 degrees F internally. Rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Stir together sour cream or Mexican crema, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable.
  6. Assemble bowls: start with cilantro lime rice, then add sliced chicken, street corn topping, crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of lime crema, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for the full 30 minutes minimum for best flavor. For frozen corn, use a dry cast iron skillet on high heat and avoid stirring too early to build a proper char. Store all components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Optional toppings: fresh avocado, pico de gallo, black beans, pickled jalapenos, tortilla chips.