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Healthy Chicken Street Corn Bowls – Fresh, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • For the chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the corn and bowl base: 3 cups corn kernels (from 3–4 ears fresh, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/3 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled (optional but classic)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • For the yogurt-lime sauce: 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0%)
  • 2 tbsp light mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp honey or agave
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub all over the chicken and let it sit while you prep the rest.
  2. Make the sauce: Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust lime or salt. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Char the corn: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add 1 tsp oil. Cook corn 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred in spots. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. Cook the chicken: In the same hot pan (or on an outdoor grill), cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  5. Prep the base and toppings: Warm brown rice if desired. Rinse black beans. Chop tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Slice avocado. Crumble cheese.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with black beans, charred corn, chicken, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and avocado. Spoon the yogurt-lime sauce over the top. Sprinkle with cilantro and cotija. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime.
  7. Adjust and serve: Add extra chili powder or hot sauce if you want more heat. For a lighter bowl, use more veggies and less rice. Eat warm or at room temperature.