Description
Mexican street corn meets comforting chicken rice in this flavor-packed bowl. Zesty lime, smoky spices, and creamy cotija cheese create an irresistible blend you’ll crave on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains and Base:
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water or broth
Corn and Seasoning Components:
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for dressing)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Infuse chicken with a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, spices, and lime juice. Thoroughly coat chicken and let it absorb flavors for 15-60 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare rice in water or broth until perfectly tender, approximately 15-20 minutes for white rice. Incorporate lime juice to enhance flavor profile.
- Heat grill to medium-high and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing to retain moisture.
- Char corn kernels with butter until golden and caramelized. Blend with creamy mayo, crumbled cheese, tangy lime juice, and complementary seasonings.
- Create a velvety dressing by whisking sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and aromatic spices until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Construct bowl by layering fluffy rice as foundation, arrange sliced grilled chicken, generously spoon corn mixture over top. Drizzle signature dressing and garnish with fresh cilantro and zesty lime wedges for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding black beans or grilled shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like coconut yogurt and plant-based mayo for a dairy-free version.
- Maximize marinade absorption by scoring chicken breasts lightly before seasoning to help spices penetrate deeper.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños to suit personal spice preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (or up to 60 minutes)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 384 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 295 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg