Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients. I always start with fresh corn when it’s in season, but frozen works beautifully too. For the chicken, I prefer boneless, skinless thighs—they stay juicy and tender through cooking, which my kids love. When it comes to the creamy sauce, I like using a mix of mayonnaise and Mexican crema or sour cream for that authentic tang. Fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cotija cheese really elevate the whole bowl. Choosing good-quality, fresh ingredients makes a huge difference and keeps this dish bright and vibrant.
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 ears fresh corn, husked (or 2 cups frozen corn)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works great too.
- Season the chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them rest while you prepare the corn.
- Grill the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s nicely charred. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.
- Cook the chicken on the grill for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make the creamy sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels with half of the creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Toss gently to coat.
- To assemble, layer warm rice in your bowls, top with sliced chicken, then spoon the street corn mixture over the top.
- Drizzle the remaining creamy sauce over each bowl and garnish with jalapeño slices if you like some heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Street Corn Chicken Bowl, recipe, cooking, food
