Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

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The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings bold flavors and hearty ingredients together in one bowl of pure comfort. Inspired by Mexican street corn, this bowl layers juicy grilled chicken, charred corn, zesty lime, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice into a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. It’s an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep star that tastes like something you’d order at your favorite spot—but you made it at home.

What makes this bowl so special is the blend of smoky sweetness from the corn and spices, mixed with the satisfying base of seasoned rice and tender chicken. Topped with a creamy cilantro-lime drizzle and crumbled cheese, it delivers contrasting textures and a bright kick that keeps you going back for another bite.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

You’re going to love how this recipe is customizable for your favorite toppings, sauces, or even leftovers you have on hand. It packs flavor without requiring a ton of complicated steps, and you can grill the chicken or even use a rotisserie one to save time. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or quick lunches, this bowl feels nourishing and vibrant.

What Kind of Corn Should I Use for This Bowl?

Fresh corn on the cob, grilled or charred in a skillet, brings the most authentic flavor. But when you’re in a hurry, canned or frozen sweet corn works well too. Just make sure to give it a quick sear in a hot pan to get that slightly smoky, caramelized flavor that makes street corn so irresistible.

Ingredients for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Every element of this bowl has a purpose—from the tangy lime to the creamy topping, each bite is packed with flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Chicken breast brings the lean protein and soaks up all the spices and citrus beautifully.

Cooked white rice is the hearty base that carries the flavor and adds a satisfying texture.

Corn kernels (preferably grilled) add a sweet charred bite reminiscent of elote.

Sour cream is key for the creamy street corn sauce that pulls everything together.

Mayonnaise adds that signature richness and tang to the sauce.

Fresh lime juice brightens the whole bowl and enhances every ingredient.

Chili powder gives a smoky, spicy depth that balances the creamy elements.

Cotija cheese is the perfect salty crumble on top for authentic Mexican flavor.

Fresh cilantro adds herbaceous brightness and freshness.

Garlic powder rounds out the flavor profile with savory depth.

Olive oil helps cook the chicken and corn while adding a subtle richness.

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How To Make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Coat the chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or sear in a hot skillet until cooked through and golden on the outside. Let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Char the Corn

If using fresh corn, grill the cobs until nicely charred and cut off the kernels. For frozen or canned corn, heat a dry skillet and sear until browned and slightly crispy.

Step 3: Mix the Street Corn Sauce

In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for a creamy, zesty sauce.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

Start with a scoop of warm rice. Add sliced chicken and charred corn. Drizzle with the creamy street corn sauce and top with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

How to Serve and Store Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This rice bowl is best served warm, right after assembling, when the creamy corn topping slightly melts into the hot rice and chicken. If you’re meal prepping, store all elements separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the rice and chicken, then add the sauce and toppings for the freshest taste.

This recipe easily feeds 4 people generously, making it great for families or packed lunches for the week.

What to Serve With Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Classic Guacamole

Creamy avocado with lime and salt brings a buttery, cooling contrast.

Spicy Black Beans

Warm and earthy, black beans offer extra protein and richness.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Juicy tomatoes and cilantro add a burst of freshness.

Tortilla Chips

Crispy chips work great for scooping up bits of rice and corn.

Pickled Red Onions

Add a pop of tang and vibrant color that cuts through the creaminess.

Mango Salsa

For a sweet and spicy tropical twist, mango salsa pairs beautifully.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Savory-sweet and perfectly tender, a hearty addition to round out the meal.

Mexican Slaw

Crunchy cabbage tossed in lime vinaigrette gives balance and a bit of bite.

Want More Bowl Ideas with a Flavor Punch?

If you love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, check out these other favorites from the blog:

Try this vibrant Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for another protein-packed rice combo.

Savor the spice with this hearty Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl that brings comfort and heat.

For something creamy and craveable, the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta brings you cozy pasta goodness.

Or dive into Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a weeknight dinner everyone will love.

And if you’re into smoky richness, the Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms is a must-try.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your bowl turned out! Did you go heavy on the lime or add some jalapeños? Did you make it with leftover grilled chicken?

I love hearing how you all tweak and customize these bowls to make them your own. Any questions? Drop them below and let’s keep creating delicious meals together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next crave-worthy dinner!

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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold, flavorful dinner idea made with grilled chicken, charred corn, creamy street corn sauce, and fluffy white rice. Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight meals, it’s inspired by Mexican elote and packed with fresh ingredients like lime, cotija, and cilantro. A satisfying, hearty rice bowl the whole family will love.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

2 cups cooked white rice

1 ½ cups corn kernels (grilled or charred)

⅓ cup sour cream

⅓ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tsp chili powder

¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

½ tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Coat chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Grill or sear the chicken in a hot skillet until fully cooked and golden brown. Let rest and slice.

3. Char corn kernels in a dry skillet until browned and slightly crispy.

4. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Stir in cotija and cilantro.

5. Assemble bowl with rice, sliced chicken, and charred corn.

6. Drizzle with street corn sauce and top with extra cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

This recipe is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

You can use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.

Frozen or canned corn works in place of fresh, just be sure to sear it.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop/Grill
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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