Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish that brings the essence of Mexican street food straight to your dinner table. Juicy grilled chicken, creamy and zesty street corn, fluffy rice, and fresh garnishes come together in a hearty, satisfying bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining, this recipe blends smoky, savory, and tangy elements into one balanced and irresistible meal.

The marinated chicken is seasoned with a warm blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with Mexican-style street corn—made creamy with mayo, brightened with lime juice, and finished with cotija cheese—it creates a comforting yet fresh combination. Served over rice and topped with creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime, and cilantro, this bowl is loaded with texture, color, and bold flavor.

Easy to customize and quick to prepare, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a modern favorite that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re craving something light yet hearty, or looking for a new way to enjoy your weekly chicken dinner, this bowl hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, Zesty Flavors – Smoky chicken and tangy street corn make every bite exciting.
2. Perfectly Balanced – Combines protein, veggies, carbs, and healthy fats.
3. Great for Meal Prep – Make components ahead and assemble throughout the week.
4. Customizable – Easy to adjust for spice, protein, or dietary preferences.
5. One-Bowl Convenience – Simple to prepare, serve, and clean up.

Ingredients

Chicken

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

Street Corn

• Corn on the cob or frozen corn kernels
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese or feta cheese
• 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 Protein: Use grilled shrimp, tofu, or steak instead of chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or leafy greens.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Add Veggies: Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, or black beans for extra texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing thinly.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

• If using fresh corn, grill the cobs until charred, about 10 minutes.
• If using frozen corn, sauté it in butter until golden and heated through.
• In a bowl, combine cooked corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
• Stir well until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowls

• Spoon cooked white or brown rice into bowls.
• Layer with sliced grilled chicken and the street corn mixture.
• Top with sliced avocado, lime wedges, and more cilantro if desired.

Step 4: Serve

• Serve immediately while warm, with a side of lime wedges for extra zest.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Thighs for Juicier Chicken: Chicken thighs tend to stay moist and flavorful.
• Char the Corn Well: Grilling or pan-searing the corn adds smoky flavor.
• Let Chicken Rest: This helps retain juices and keeps slices tender.
• Don’t Skip the Lime: Fresh lime juice adds brightness that ties the whole bowl together.
• Prep Ahead: Make the chicken and corn ahead and store separately for easy assembly.

How to Serve

Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl warm, garnished with fresh avocado slices, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cilantro. You can also offer extra cotija or hot sauce on the side. This bowl works great on its own, or paired with tortilla chips, a side salad, or black beans for a more filling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Store chicken, corn, and rice in separate airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cooked chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Street corn is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary.

Reheating

• Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or skillet until warmed through.
• Add a splash of water or lime juice to refresh texture.
• Assemble bowls fresh after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes! Shred and season it lightly before adding to the bowl.

2. What’s the best substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta is a great alternative, or you can use shredded Parmesan.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild heat—adjust the chili powder or add hot sauce if desired.

4. Can I use canned corn?

Yes, just drain and sauté it for better texture and flavor.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use vegan mayo and skip or substitute the cheese.

6. How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 15 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

7. Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.

8. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Absolutely—quinoa is a great high-protein substitute.

9. How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Use freshly cooked or leftover rice that’s cooled and not overcooked.

10. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s excellent! Store components separately and assemble when ready.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fresh, filling, and flavor-packed meal that’s as versatile as it is satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an exciting twist on your usual chicken and rice dinner, this bowl delivers vibrant flavors and restaurant-quality texture with minimal effort. It’s a delicious reminder that healthy and hearty can absolutely go hand in hand

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