Okay, picture this: it was a sweltering summer evening, and I was craving something *really* satisfying but also bright and fresh. You know the feeling? I’d been seeing all these amazing street corn recipes popping up, and my brain just went, “YES. That needs to happen with chicken and rice!” And let me tell you, the moment I took that first bite of this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl**? Pure magic. Seriously, it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!

This bowl is everything I love about simple, delicious cooking. It’s got juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, fluffy rice infused with bright cilantro and lime (my absolute favorite combo!), and that incredible street corn salsa. That salsa is the secret weapon here – creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and just bursting with fresh corn flavor. I whipped this up after a long day, and it came together so much faster than I expected. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes without being complicated. Trust me, once you make this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice**, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, so besides tasting absolutely incredible, here are just a few reasons why this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice** is going to become a total favorite in your house, just like it is in mine:

It’s *fast*! Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight scramble.
The flavors are outta this world! That smoky chicken, bright limey rice, and creamy, tangy street corn salsa just work together *so* beautifully.
It’s super customizable. Want more spice? Go for it! Swap the chicken? Easy peasy.
It feels fancy, but it’s totally approachable for any home cook. You got this!
Leftovers are amazing (if there are any!). Pack them up for a killer lunch the next day.

Ingredients for Your Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to making this bowl of sunshine! Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl** to life. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you might even have on hand!

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice (any kind you like!)
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, juiced
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
¼ cup chopped red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (more for the salsa!)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice (for the salsa)
¼ teaspoon chili powder (for the salsa)
Salt and black pepper to taste (again, for the salsa!)
Optional toppings: crumbled cotija cheese, your favorite hot sauce, or creamy avocado slices – highly recommend these!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, let’s chat about a few things that can make this even easier or help you use what you’ve got. For the chicken, boneless, skinless is easiest, but thighs work great too! Just make sure they’re cooked through, obviously.

For the corn, seriously, use whatever you have! Fresh corn cut right off the cob is amazing in the summer, but frozen corn (just give it a quick thaw) is totally fine and what I use most of the time. Don’t stress about it!

Now, the creamy binder in the street corn salsa – I love using Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, but classic mayo is, well, classic for a reason! Use whichever you prefer. And for the cheese topping? Cotija is traditional and salty and delicious, but crumbled feta is a fantastic stand-in if that’s what’s in your fridge. Don’t let a missing ingredient stop you from making this!

Equipment Needed for a Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this one, thankfully! Just a few basic bits and bobs you probably already have. Here’s what I grab when I’m making this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice**:

A good, large skillet for cooking that chicken.
A couple of mixing bowls – one for the chicken marinade and one for the street corn salsa.
Measuring spoons and cups, because even my chaotic cooking needs *some* precision!
A cutting board and a sharp knife for the chicken and veggies.
A fork to fluff that glorious cilantro-lime rice.

See? Nothing too complicated! You’re ready to rock and roll.

How to Make Your Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Alright, time to get cooking! This is where the magic happens and all those delicious components come together to create this incredible **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl**. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and we’ll tackle it one yummy step at a time.

Preparing the Flavorful Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into nice, bite-sized pieces. I usually go for about 1-inch chunks. Toss those chicken pieces into a bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Now for the flavor bomb! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good toss to make sure every piece of chicken is coated in that gorgeous spice mix. It should smell amazing already!

Heat up your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot (a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly), add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of getting those lovely browned edges! Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked all the way through. You’ll know it’s done when there’s no pink in the middle. Pop the cooked chicken onto a plate for a minute while we work on the other parts.

Crafting the Cilantro-Lime Rice

While your chicken is doing its thing (or right after you take it out), let’s get that vibrant rice ready. If your rice isn’t cooked yet, now’s the time to get that going according to package directions. Once it’s cooked, transfer it to a medium bowl. Add the chopped fresh cilantro – use a generous amount, it makes a big difference! – and the juice from two limes. Grab a fork and gently fluff everything together. The lime juice and cilantro will infuse the rice with such a bright, fresh flavor. Don’t mash it, just gently lift and separate the grains.

Assembling the Zesty Street Corn Salsa

This salsa is seriously the star of the show! In a medium bowl, combine your corn (remember, thawed if frozen!), the finely chopped red onion, and the extra chopped cilantro. Now, in a small separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt!), the tablespoon of lime juice, that little bit of extra chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it until it’s smooth and creamy. Pour this delicious dressing over the corn mixture and gently stir everything together. Make sure all the corn and veggies are coated in that creamy, zesty goodness. Taste it and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice if you think it needs it!

Bringing Together Your Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, all our components are ready! Time to build these beautiful bowls. Divide the fluffy cilantro-lime rice among your serving bowls. Next, spoon the cooked, flavorful chicken over the rice. Now, pile on that amazing Zesty Street Corn Salsa right on top. Don’t be shy! This is where it all comes together. If you’re using any of those optional toppings – and I really hope you are! – sprinkle on some crumbled cotija cheese, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce, or add some creamy avocado slices. And there you have it! Your very own **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl** is ready to be devoured. Dig in!

Tips for a Perfect Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Okay, you’ve got the basic steps down, but here are a few little extra tips I’ve picked up that really take this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice** from great to *amazing*:

Don’t Crowd the Pan: When you’re cooking the chicken, resist the urge to dump it all in at once. Cook it in batches if you need to! This lets it get nice and browned instead of steaming.
Fluff the Rice Gently: When you add the cilantro and lime to the rice, use a fork and be gentle. You want fluffy grains, not a sticky mess!
Taste and Adjust the Salsa: The street corn salsa is key! Give it a taste after you mix in the dressing. Does it need a little more salt? More lime for tang? Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your liking!
Fresh is Best for Salsa: While you can make the salsa a little ahead, it’s really best when the corn and onion are still super fresh and crisp. I like to make it right before serving if I can.

Variations on Your Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

One of the coolest things about this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl** is how easy it is to switch things up! Not a chicken person? No problem! Try using cooked shrimp, grilled steak, or even black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. They all work beautifully with that street corn salsa.

Want more veggies? Go for it! Sautéed bell peppers and onions are a fantastic addition. And if you like things spicy, feel free to double up on the chili powder in the chicken seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the street corn salsa. Make this bowl *your* bowl!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Got some questions buzzing in your head about this delicious **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl**? Totally normal! Here are a few things folks often ask, and my two cents on them.

Can I Use Different Proteins in My Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Absolutely, yes! While chicken is my go-to for this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl**, it is *super* forgiving. Like I mentioned earlier, grilled shrimp or steak cut into strips would be amazing. For a fantastic vegetarian option, seasoned black beans or even some pan-fried tofu would be delicious and pair perfectly with the zesty street corn and cilantro-lime rice.

How Can I Make the Zesty Street Corn Salsa Spicier?

Oh, you like a little heat? My kind of person! There are a few easy ways to kick up the spice in your **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl**. You can simply add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes to the street corn salsa dressing. Another great way is to finely mince a jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it into the salsa along with the red onion. Start with a little and add more to taste – you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!

Is it Possible to Prepare Parts of the Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Ahead of Time?

Definitely! This **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl** is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cilantro-lime rice can also be made a day or two in advance. For the street corn salsa, I recommend chopping the veggies (corn, onion, cilantro) ahead of time and storing them separately. Whisk the creamy dressing and keep it separate too. Then, just mix the salsa components together right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture!

Nutritional Information

Okay, I’m not a registered dietitian or anything fancy like that, but I know some of you like to have an idea of what’s in the food you’re eating! So, based on the ingredients as written, here’s a general peek at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl**.

Just keep in mind that these are *estimates*, okay? Things like the exact size of your chicken pieces, how much rice you pile into your bowl, or whether you go wild with the toppings (hello, extra cheese!) can totally change these numbers. But this gives you a ballpark idea!

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
Calories: Around 450
Sugar: About 5g
Sodium: Roughly 400mg
Fat: Around 15g
Saturated Fat: About 3g
Unsaturated Fat: Around 10g
Trans Fat: 0g (yay!)
Carbohydrates: Around 50g
Fiber: About 4g
Protein: Around 35g
Cholesterol: Roughly 90mg

See? It’s a pretty balanced meal, packed with protein and good carbs. And most importantly? It tastes incredible!

Enjoy Your Homemade Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!

Seriously, you’ve done it! You’ve made this incredible **Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice**. I just know you’re going to absolutely love it. It’s such a perfect mix of flavors and textures, and it feels like a little fiesta in a bowl!

Please, please try this recipe and let me know what you think! Did you add any fun toppings? Did you swap the protein? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a rating too! Happy cooking, everyone!

Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: 40 Min Pure Magic

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful rice bowl featuring seasoned chicken, vibrant street corn salsa, and fluffy cilantro-lime rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, juiced
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
¼ cup chopped red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: crumbled cotija cheese, hot sauce, avocado

Instructions

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
While chicken cooks, prepare cilantro-lime rice. In a bowl, combine cooked rice with chopped cilantro and lime juice. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare street corn salsa. In a medium bowl, combine corn, red onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over corn mixture and stir to combine.
Assemble bowls by dividing cilantro-lime rice among bowls. Top with cooked chicken and street corn salsa. Add optional toppings if desired.

Notes

You can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
Adjust spice levels to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, rice bowl, street corn, cilantro lime rice, Mexican