Description
A quick, no-fuss weeknight meal featuring charred corn, tangy Cotija crema, and juicy marinated chicken over warm rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1–1.25 lb)
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (substitute feta if needed)
- Lime juice and wedges (fresh lime is essential)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or canola/olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (soaked briefly in cold water if you want milder bite)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for street corn mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by whisking together lime juice, oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss with chicken thighs and let sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Char the corn in a skillet over medium-high heat until kernels blister (about 6–8 minutes). Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
- In the bowl with corn, mix Cotija, onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, red chili powder, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the marinated chicken in the skillet for 5–6 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Rest the chicken for 5 minutes then slice thinly.
- Reheat rice, assemble bowls with rice, sliced chicken, and street corn mixture. Top with additional Cotija, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
For a smoky boost, add a pinch of smoked paprika. If dairy-free, opt for a nondairy yogurt or omit cheese and increase lime for tang.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, rice bowl, street corn, quick dinner, weeknight meal