Description
This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender, marinated chicken with flavorful cilantro lime rice and a vibrant street corn salad dressed in a zesty Greek yogurt-based Elote dressing. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this bowl delivers a nutritious and satisfying meal packed with fresh ingredients and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 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 (fresh or frozen)
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 1 small jalapeno, seeds removed and chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
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 (to thin as needed)
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 Tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Additional Toppings (Optional)
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into cubes. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon 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 to allow the flavors to develop while you prepare other ingredients.
- Make the cilantro lime rice: Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool about 5-10 minutes. Then mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Prep the Elote dressing: In a 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 as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Make the street corn salad: If using fresh corn on the cob, cook by preferred method (boiling, grilling, or roasting) and cut kernels off the cob. Combine corn, chopped red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese in a large bowl. Add half of the prepared Elote dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C) and is fully cooked.
- Assemble the bowls: In serving bowls, start with a bed of romaine or mixed greens if using. Add a scoop of cilantro lime rice, topped with cooked chicken and a generous helping of street corn salad. Drizzle additional Elote dressing over the top and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and optional toppings like diced avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the corn salad and Elote dressing ahead of time and store separately to simplify meal assembly throughout the week.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeno and chili powder according to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and cotija cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh corn provides a sweeter flavor, but frozen corn can be used in a pinch.
- The rice and corn salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: street corn chicken bowl, healthy chicken recipe, cilantro lime rice, elote dressing, Mexican street food, easy meal prep, chicken rice bowl
