Description
This easy 30-minute dinner combines juicy chicken, fluffy rice, charred corn, tangy lime crema, and cotija cheese for a protein-packed, flavor-filled bowl inspired by Mexican street corn. Perfect for busy weeknights and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta/parmesan as substitute)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeño, diced avocado, hot sauce, extra cheese
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit while prepping other ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add corn kernels (no oil) and let sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until charred. Stir and char for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to skillet. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and adjust lime to taste.
- Warm rice in microwave for 1 minute or toss in skillet for 1 minute until heated and fluffy.
- Divide rice between bowls. Top with chicken, charred corn, drizzle of lime crema, crumbled cotija cheese, cilantro, green onions, and any desired toppings. Squeeze extra lime over top if desired.
Notes
Char the corn for authentic street corn flavor, use leftover rice for best texture, and make extra lime crema for dipping or drizzling. Swap chicken for black beans or mushrooms for vegetarian, and use vegan mayo/sour cream and cheese for vegan. Cotija cheese is ideal, but feta or parmesan work as substitutes. For meal prep, keep crema and fresh toppings separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 32
Keywords: street corn, chicken rice bowl, easy dinner, Mexican, weeknight, one pan, lime crema, cotija cheese, meal prep, gluten-free option