Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, vibrant meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Combining tender marinated chicken, zesty cilantro lime rice, and a creamy elote-inspired dressing, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
• 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
• 3 cups corn, cooked
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 small jalapeno, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 lime, zest & juice of
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1-3 Tbsp water (as needed to thin the dressing)
• 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
• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes while preparing other components.
2. Step 2: Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once done, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Elote dressing by mixing Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of water to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
4. Step 4: For the street corn salad, if using fresh corn, cook it and cut the kernels off the cob. Remove seeds from jalapeno and chop it finely. In a large bowl, combine corn, red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Add half of the Elote dressing and mix well.
5. Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Assemble the bowls by layering romaine or mixed greens (if using), cilantro lime rice, cooked chicken, and the street corn salad. Drizzle with remaining Elote dressing, add a squeeze of fresh lime, and top with diced avocado and cherry tomatoes if desired.
7. Step 7: For easier meal prep, prepare the corn salad and Elote dressing ahead of time and store separately until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Substitute cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco if unavailable.
• Add extra lime zest to the rice for a brighter flavor.
• For a vegan version, replace chicken with seasoned tofu and use vegan yogurt and mayonnaise.
• Serve with warm tortillas for a street corn chicken taco twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, rice, and street corn salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Keep the Elote dressing chilled and add fresh before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for the street corn salad?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Thaw and drain it before mixing with the other salad ingredients.

How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Adjust the amount of jalapeno or chili powder to increase or reduce heat. Removing jalapeno seeds will also reduce spiciness.

Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 113 reviews

This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender marinated chicken, flavorful cilantro lime rice, and a vibrant street corn salad tossed with a creamy Elote dressing. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner that balances protein, veggies, and zesty flavors in a nutritious and satisfying bowl.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade and Cooking

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
• 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

For the 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

For the Elote Dressing

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1–3 Tbsp water (as needed to thin out)

For the Street Corn Salad

• 3 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese

For Serving and Garnishes

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
• Diced avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Additional lime wedges for squeezing

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors while preparing the other components.
2. Make the Cilantro Lime Rice: Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. After cooking, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined and set aside.
3. Prep the Elote Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of water, little by little, to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency.
4. Make the Street Corn Salad: If using fresh corn, cook and cut kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn with chopped red bell pepper, jalapeño (pulp and seeds removed), red onion, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Add half of the prepared Elote dressing and toss to coat evenly.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Assemble the Bowls: In each serving bowl, layer romaine lettuce or mixed greens if using, then spoon in cilantro lime rice, cooked chicken, and the street corn salad. Top with additional Elote dressing, a squeeze of fresh lime, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and any preferred garnishes.
7. Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the corn salad and Elote dressing ahead of time to save time during the week. Store separately and assemble with freshly cooked chicken and rice when ready to eat.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh corn if available for best flavor; frozen corn works fine too.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeño according to your heat preference.
• To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute cotija cheese and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives.
• This dish can be customized by adding black beans, avocado slices, or switching to brown rice for extra fiber.

Keywords: healthy chicken bowl, street corn salad, cilantro lime rice, elote dressing, easy chicken dinner, Mexican rice bowl, grilled chicken rice bowl, healthy dinner recipe