Description
This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines juicy, spiced chicken with a vibrant cilantro lime rice and a creamy, zesty street corn salad inspired by classic Mexican elote flavors. Perfect for a satisfying and well-balanced meal, it features a homemade Elote dressing, fresh vegetables, and tangy cotija cheese, all coming together for a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious bowl that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Cooking
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (1 Tbsp for marinating + 2 Tbsp for cooking)
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Street Corn Salad
- 3 cups cooked corn kernels
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds and pulp removed, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
Elote Dressing
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1-3 Tbsp water (to thin as needed)
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into cubes and place in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Set aside and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Make the Cilantro Lime Rice: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined and fluffy.
- Prepare the Elote Dressing: While the rice is cooking, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add water gradually to reach a creamy but pourable consistency. Set aside.
- Make the Street Corn Salad: If using fresh corn, cook it by your preferred method and cut kernels from the cob. Combine corn kernels, chopped red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese in a large bowl. Add half of the prepared Elote dressing and mix gently to coat all ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely seared on one side, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer romaine or mixed greens (optional), a portion of cilantro lime rice, cooked chicken, and a scoop of street corn salad. Drizzle with additional Elote dressing, squeeze fresh lime on top, and garnish with your favorite toppings like diced avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Meal Prep Tip: For easy meal prep, make the corn salad and Elote dressing in advance and store separately. Reheat chicken and rice when ready to serve to enjoy a fresh, flavorful bowl any day of the week.
Notes
- To reduce spiciness, remove seeds from the jalapeño and adjust chili powder amount according to preference.
- If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen or canned corn can be used; just ensure it is cooked and drained well.
- Cooking chicken properly is essential; use a meat thermometer if possible to ensure an internal temp of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- The Elote dressing can be thinned or thickened by adjusting the amount of water added.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and omit cotija cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Use jasmine rice or substitute with brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and nutritional profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired