Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
For the Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra cotija cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling Option: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stovetop Option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Toast the Rice (Optional): In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden, stirring frequently.
- Cook the Rice: Add the chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Topping
- Cook the Corn:
- Fresh Corn: Grill or sauté the kernels until lightly charred.
- Frozen Corn: Thaw and sauté over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Stir in the cooked corn and chopped cilantro until well combined.
Step 4: Make the Lime Crema
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Adjust the lime juice to taste and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Layer the Rice: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
- Add the Chicken: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the rice.
- Top with Corn: Spoon the street corn mixture over the chicken.
- Drizzle with Crema: Finish each bowl with a generous drizzle of lime crema.
- Garnish: Add optional toppings such as avocado, jalapeños, extra cotija cheese, cilantro, or lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g