Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something magical about Mexican street corn—that smoky, creamy, tangy goodness topped with cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. The first time I tried it at a food truck, I was hooked. So, when I wanted to create something that captured those same bold, zesty flavors in a full meal, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe was born.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is one of those dishes that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to make. Tender, seasoned chicken sits atop fluffy rice, surrounded by charred corn, zesty lime, creamy sauce, and all the delicious toppings that make every bite pop.
The best part? Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is customizable, meal prep-friendly, and healthy without tasting like it. So, whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something flavorful and comforting, this recipe delivers big-time.
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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for dinner or meal prep.
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Street Corn Mixture:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice Base:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or use cilantro-lime rice for extra flavor)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Extra cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot sauce or Tajín seasoning
How to Prepare Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Let’s walk through this step-by-step. Once you make it once, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Step 1: Cook the Rice
If you don’t already have cooked rice, start by preparing it according to package directions. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully.
For extra flavor, stir in a bit of lime juice and chopped cilantro once the rice is cooked — it instantly brightens up the bowl.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Squeeze lime juice over the chicken once cooked for a burst of freshness. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
Step 3: Make the Street Corn
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly charred.
Turn off the heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, smoked paprika, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well. Add cotija cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
This creamy, smoky corn mixture is the star of the dish — you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful!
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of the creamy street corn mixture. Add your favorite toppings: diced avocado, fresh cilantro, extra cotija, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately while everything is warm. The combination of creamy corn, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and tangy lime is absolutely irresistible.
If you’re meal prepping, store the chicken, corn, and rice in separate containers and combine when ready to eat.
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe works as a standalone meal, but you can easily build it into a larger feast. Here are some serving ideas:
- With a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a restaurant-style touch.
- With a side salad — something light like a cucumber or tomato salad complements it well.
- In a wrap or burrito — stuff the filling into a tortilla for a handheld version.
- With a drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle crema if you love bold flavors.
For drinks, a cold limeade, iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus pairs perfectly with the tangy and smoky flavors.
Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
- Char your corn — this adds authentic smoky street corn flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken — juicy chicken makes all the difference.
- Balance the sauce: The mayo and sour cream combo should be creamy but not runny. Adjust with more lime juice or cheese as needed.
- Use quality cheese: Cotija gives authentic flavor, but feta or Parmesan can work in a pinch.
- Customize the spice level: Add extra chili powder or jalapeños if you like heat.
- Meal prep tip: Store components separately for the freshest taste.
- Fresh lime = key. It brightens everything and ties the flavors together.
Variations to Try
1. Chipotle Street Corn Chicken Bowl
Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the corn mixture for smoky heat.
2. Avocado Ranch Bowl
Top with diced avocado and drizzle with ranch or cilantro-lime dressing.
3. BBQ Street Corn Bowl
Brush chicken with BBQ sauce before cooking for a sweet and smoky twist.
4. Low-Carb Version
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbs while keeping all the flavor.
5. Spicy Lovers’ Bowl
Add extra chili powder, Tajín seasoning, or a few drops of hot sauce.
6. Veggie-Packed Bowl
Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans for more nutrients and color.
7. Vegan or Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and replace it with roasted chickpeas, tofu, or grilled vegetables. Use vegan mayo and plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned or frozen corn?
Absolutely! Canned or frozen corn works perfectly. Just make sure to drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn before charring it in the skillet.
2. Can I make this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken, rice, and corn mixture separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
3. What’s the best rice to use?
White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all work great. For extra flavor, try cilantro-lime rice or even quinoa.
4. How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to the corn mixture.
5. Can I use grilled chicken instead of skillet chicken?
Definitely! Grilled chicken adds even more smoky flavor and pairs beautifully with the street corn.
6. Is cotija cheese necessary?
Cotija gives the classic street corn flavor, but feta, queso fresco, or even Parmesan make good substitutes.
7. Can I turn this into a wrap or burrito?
Yes! Wrap the rice, corn, and chicken in a large tortilla for a portable version.
8. How can I store leftovers?
Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and corn before serving.
9. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream or Greek yogurt alternatives and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.
10. Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe doubles easily and makes a great lunch option for the week.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is everything you could want in a meal—creamy, smoky, tangy, and satisfying. It takes all the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn and combines them with juicy, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice to create a dish that’s not just delicious, but truly comforting.
What I love most about this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is its versatility. You can customize it for any taste or diet—make it spicier, swap in your favorite grains, or turn it vegetarian. It’s also great for meal prepping because the flavors only get better as they sit.
Every time I make this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe, it’s a hit. My family loves the balance of flavors—the charred corn, the creamy sauce, the zest of lime, and that smoky chicken. It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in your own kitchen.
So next time you’re craving something bold, colorful, and full of flavor, give this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe a try. Trust me—it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.