Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

The first time I had Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, I was walking through a bustling food market in Mexico, drawn in by the irresistible aroma of grilled corn slathered in creamy sauce and sprinkled with cheese. One bite, and I was hooked—the smoky sweetness of the corn, the tangy lime, and the hint of spice were pure magic. That unforgettable experience inspired me to create a meal that captures those bold flavors in a hearty, satisfying way.

Enter the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—a dish that takes everything I love about elote and pairs it with juicy, spiced chicken and fluffy rice. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and fresh, creamy and crunchy, smoky and zesty. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your friends, this bowl is guaranteed to deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep.
• Flavor Explosion: A mix of spicy, creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors.
• Customizable: Easily swap proteins or adjust spices to your preference.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well for an easy grab-and-go meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime

the Rice:

• 1 cup white or brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra cheese
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Follow these Step-by-Step Instructions to create a flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with ease. Cook, assemble, and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat with the spice mixture. For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in this easy fajita marinade before cooking—it enhances the smokiness and spice blend beautifully.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Cook the Rice

1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water to remove excess starch. If you’re looking for a more flavorful alternative, try using this red rice recipe instead—it pairs beautifully with the smoky, spiced chicken and creamy street corn.
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
3. Add the rice, butter, and salt, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

3. Make the Street Corn

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn kernels. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to char slightly.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice.
3. Stir in the charred corn, then add cotija cheese and cilantro. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Bowls

1. Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl.
2. Add sliced grilled chicken on one side.
3. Spoon street corn mixture onto the other side.
4. Top with avocado, jalapeños, extra cheese, and lime wedges as desired.

How to Serve Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Serve your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl fresh and fully loaded for the best experience. Customize it with toppings and sides to enhance the flavors and textures. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty kick.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or chipotle mayo for added heat.
• Add sliced avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess and spice.
• Serve with warm tortilla chips or a side of black beans for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

• Use a cast-iron skillet for extra flavor when cooking the chicken.
• For extra smoky flavor, grill the corn instead of pan-frying.
• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe Variations

Customize your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to match your taste and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the street corn or extra chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, black beans, or roasted mushrooms.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a lighter bowl.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese, or substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Extra Protein: Add black beans or top with a fried egg for an extra protein boost.

Freezing and Storage

• Keep your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl fresh and delicious by storing it properly. Here’s how to make it last:
• Refrigeration: Store the chicken, rice, and street corn separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and rice in separate containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the street corn mixture, as the mayo-based sauce may change in texture.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add fresh toppings for the best flavor.
• Freezing: Freeze chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet (for best chicken searing)
• Rice cooker (for easier rice preparation)

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl FAQ Section

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Every bite is packed with bold, vibrant flavors, from the smoky grilled chicken to the creamy, tangy street corn. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet fresh, satisfying yet simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this bowl brings the perfect mix of comfort and excitement to your table.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Add extra spice, swap out ingredients, or load it up with toppings to make it your own. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing is certain—you’ll be coming back for another bowl. So grab your fork and dig in!