Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

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This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn and combines them with juicy grilled chicken and fluffy white rice for a complete meal in one colorful bowl. It’s zesty, creamy, and packed with textures that make every bite exciting. The sweetness of the corn contrasts perfectly with the savory, slightly charred chicken, while the creamy drizzle of sauce and fresh lime juice ties everything together.

If you’re looking for a fast yet satisfying dinner idea, this one’s for you. It’s versatile enough to be prepped ahead for meal planning, and customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or cotija cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, backyard dinners, or lunch leftovers that actually make you excited to open your container.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Fast and filling: A balanced dish with protein, veggies, and carbs that comes together quickly.
• Full of flavor: Sweet corn, smoky chicken, creamy sauce, and zesty lime create an explosion of taste.
• Customizable: Add your own twist with toppings like hot sauce, feta, or diced tomatoes.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make extra and pack it up for delicious lunches all week.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender when grilled or pan-seared. However, chicken breasts also work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavor. Grilled is best for that charred flavor, but oven-roasted or stovetop-seared chicken will do the trick too.

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Ingredients for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Each component of this bowl has a purpose, adding flavor, texture, and balance to the final dish:

• Chicken thighs or breasts – The protein base, juicy and savory when marinated and grilled.
• Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) – The star of the show, sweet and golden, bringing that signature street corn vibe.
• Cooked white rice – A soft, neutral base to soak up all the flavorful toppings.
• Mayonnaise + sour cream – These create the creamy drizzle that mimics Mexican elote.
• Lime juice – Adds acidity and brightness to cut through the richness.
• Chili powder or Tajín – Brings smoky heat and a pop of color.
• Green onions – For crunch and a bit of sharpness.
• Fresh cilantro – Herbaceous, fresh flavor that ties the dish together.
• Jalapeño (optional) – For a little kick of spice.
• Cotija cheese (optional) – Salty, crumbly cheese that adds authenticity.

How To Make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and salt. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all that bold flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until charred and fully cooked through. Let it rest, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn Mixture

In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté the corn until slightly browned. Stir in a spoonful of mayo, sour cream, a splash of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Mix until well-coated.

Step 4: Build the Bowl

Add a layer of warm white rice to your bowl, top with the creamy corn mixture, then the grilled chicken. Drizzle with extra sauce if you like, and finish with green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and crumbled cotija cheese if using.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Squeeze fresh lime over the top and garnish with extra cilantro for a fresh and zesty finish.

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How to Serve and Store This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This dish serves about 4 people, making it great for a small family dinner or lunch meal prep. Serve it warm, straight from the skillet, with all the toppings freshly added for the best flavor and texture.

For storing, keep each component separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and corn mixture will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat the rice, chicken, and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add the fresh garnishes just before serving.

What to Serve With Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Grilled Vegetables

A side of zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus adds color and freshness.

Guacamole and Chips

The creamy richness of guacamole complements the bold spices in the bowl.

Black Beans

Add more protein and fiber with a scoop of seasoned black beans on the side.

Tortilla Soup

A light soup pairs beautifully with the hearty rice bowl.

Pico de Gallo

A fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity.

Mango Salsa

Sweet and spicy mango salsa can add a tropical twist.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For a heartier option, roasted sweet potatoes add a warm, earthy flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely. Canned corn is a great time-saver. Just be sure to drain it well and give it a quick sauté to bring out that roasted flavor.

What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
White rice is traditional, but you can swap in brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice if you prefer a lower-carb option.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternative, and skip the cheese or use a vegan version.

Is this bowl spicy?
The spice level is totally customizable. You control the heat by how much chili powder or jalapeño you use. It can be completely mild or fiery-hot.

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Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it cool? Did you try it with brown rice or make it vegetarian?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier meals.

Find more dinner inspiration on my Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold, colorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress guests. With tender chicken, creamy street corn, and fresh toppings, it’s a dish that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping or making it fresh, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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