Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls (High Protein Lunch Meal Prep)
Tender seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and charred street corn with cotija cheese and cilantro crema deliver 28 grams of protein per bowl. These meal-prep friendly bowls taste like food truck fare while staying fresh in the fridge for four days.
Equipment
- large skillet
- small bowl
- cutting board
- meat thermometer
- glass containers
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice (about 3/4 cup uncooked)
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 limes, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for crema)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for crema)
- Optional: sliced jalapeño, red onion, avocado, or cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper mixture evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear for 6-7 minutes without moving until golden. Flip and cook other side 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Step 3: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add corn and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Add lime juice, zest, and cilantro. Season with salt and fold in cotija cheese once cooled slightly.
- Step 4: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Divide cooked rice among four bowls or containers. Top each with sliced chicken and a generous portion of street corn. Drizzle cilantro crema over top and add optional garnishes. Keep crema separate if meal-prepping for up to four days.
Notes
Store assembled bowls (without crema) in airtight glass containers for up to four days in the fridge. Add cilantro crema just before eating. Bowls taste even better on day two. Freeze assembled bowls without crema for up to three months. Can substitute rotisserie chicken to save 15 minutes. For extra protein, add black beans or a fried egg (adds 8-12g protein). Can use chicken thighs but protein content drops to about 24g per serving.