Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Looking for a fresh and flavorful meal that hits every craving? This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect answer. Combining juicy, seasoned chicken with smoky street-style corn and hearty rice, this dish brings together bold flavors, vibrant textures, and balanced nutrition in every bite. Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn (elote), this bowl is creamy, zesty, a little spicy, and completely satisfying.

What makes this dish stand out is the contrast of textures and tastes: tender grilled or pan-seared chicken, creamy and tangy street corn, fluffy rice, and cool slices of avocado. It’s an excellent make-ahead lunch or weeknight dinner, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like beans, greens, or salsa. Whether you’re using leftover grilled corn from the weekend or frozen kernels straight from the freezer, this bowl comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-level flavor with everyday ingredients.

Not only is it delicious and colorful, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats — making it a wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. If you love street food but want something a little more balanced, this bowl has your name on it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Mexican-Inspired Flavors – Spiced chicken and creamy street corn bring zesty flavor to every bite.
2. Customizable and Versatile – Easily adjust the spice level, toppings, or switch up the base.
3. Quick and Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple steps.
4. Meal Prep Perfect – Great for batch cooking and storing for lunches.
5. Wholesome and Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and good fats to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients

Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Street Corn

• Corn on the cob (or frozen corn kernels)
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese or feta cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Rice Bowl

• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Avocado (sliced, optional)
• Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)

Variations

• Make It Spicier: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the corn mix or chicken marinade.
• Swap the Base: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens instead of rice.
• Add Beans: Toss in black beans or pinto beans for more fiber and protein.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and skip or substitute the cheese.
• Veggie Version: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted sweet potatoes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken well with this marinade and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

If using fresh corn: Grill until lightly charred, turning occasionally (about 10 minutes).
If using frozen corn: Sauté in butter until golden and heated through.
In a bowl, combine cooked corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese (or feta), lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Mix well until creamy and coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowl

Spoon your cooked rice into serving bowls.
Top with sliced chicken, then spoon the street corn mixture over top.
Add avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and extra cilantro if desired.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every bite.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t skip resting the chicken — it keeps it juicy and tender.
• Use freshly grilled corn if possible for extra smokiness.
• Cotija cheese adds authentic flavor, but feta is a great substitute.
• Adjust lime juice and chili powder in the corn mix to suit your taste.
• For extra creaminess, add a drizzle of sour cream or crema over the top.

How to Serve

Serve warm as a complete meal in a bowl or plated. You can top it with additional garnishes like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, or even tortilla strips. It’s also perfect for meal prep — pack in containers for a satisfying lunch or dinner on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store each component (chicken, corn, and rice) separately in airtight containers for best freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice, but the street corn is best made fresh. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or skillet. Add a splash of water if needed. Make the corn mixture fresh or reheat gently without overcooking the cheese and mayo blend.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Just warm it with the spices for added flavor.

2. What type of rice works best?

White or brown rice, or even Mexican rice, all work great. Choose your favorite.

3. Can I use canned corn?

Absolutely. Just drain well and sauté to bring out sweetness and char.

4. Is cotija cheese necessary?

Not at all — feta is a great alternative, or you can skip the cheese entirely.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use vegan mayo and omit or replace the cheese with a dairy-free version.

6. How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

7. Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it works great as a cold rice bowl, especially for packed lunches.

8. How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or mushrooms.

9. Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.

10. What toppings go well with this?

Avocado, lime, jalapeños, hot sauce, crema, pickled onions, or shredded lettuce.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a colorful, flavor-packed, and totally satisfying meal that’s just as perfect for a family dinner as it is for weekly meal prep. With juicy chicken, creamy corn, zesty lime, and a comforting bed of rice, every bite brings bold taste and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo lunch, this easy recipe brings street food vibes into your home — no fuss, just flavor.

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