Street Corn Chicken Bowl (Print Version)

Grilled chicken meets Mexican street corn in this vibrant bowl with roasted corn, cotija, and zesty lime crema.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon cumin
06 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Street Corn

09 - 2 ears corn on the cob or 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed
10 - 1 tablespoon butter
11 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ¼ teaspoon chili powder
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Bowl Base

14 - 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
15 - 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

→ Toppings

16 - ⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese
17 - ⅓ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
18 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

→ Lime Crema

20 - ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
21 - Zest and juice of 1 lime
22 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
23 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
03 - For fresh corn, brush with butter and grill until charred in spots, 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally. Cut kernels from cob. For frozen corn, sauté in skillet with butter until heated through and lightly charred. Toss with smoked paprika, chili powder, and pinch of salt.
04 - Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
05 - Divide rice and lettuce between two bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, street corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cotija cheese, and cilantro on top. Drizzle with lime crema and serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lime crema ties everything together with a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness
  • You get that perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh in every single forkful
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest after grilling is non-negotiable for juicy slices
  • The char on the corn is what makes this taste authentic, so do not rush that step
03 -
  • Grill extra corn on the weekend and use it throughout the week
  • Room temperature ingredients help the crema blend more smoothly