Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice

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Smoky grilled chicken, charred sweet corn, and fluffy cilantro-lime rice all come together in this vibrant, flavor-packed bowl. With creamy lime crema drizzled on top and fresh herbs scattered throughout, every bite is bursting with zesty, savory satisfaction. This dish is not only colorful and fresh, but it’s also incredibly balanced with protein, carbs, and veggies in one satisfying bowl.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal prep idea, this bowl delivers both ease and flavor. It’s inspired by street food flavors—think Mexican-style elote and grilled meats—but with a wholesome, build-your-own bowl twist. It’s a family-friendly favorite that feels indulgent without being heavy, and it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Packed with Flavor: From the smoky chicken seasoning to the tangy crema and the sweetness of roasted corn, every layer offers a delicious punch.
• Nutritious & Satisfying: With lean protein, veggies, and rice, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
• Customizable: You can easily swap proteins, use brown rice or quinoa, or even make it vegetarian.
• Great for Meal Prep: Everything can be made in advance and assembled quickly for lunch or dinner.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this bowl. They grill beautifully and soak up marinades quickly. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked slightly, while breasts give you leaner results. If grilling isn’t an option, you can also bake or pan-sear the chicken with great results.

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Ingredients for the Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Each component in this bowl plays an important role in building bold and balanced flavor:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The protein star of the bowl, seasoned and grilled for smoky flavor.
• Cooked White Rice: A fluffy base that soaks up all the bold toppings, seasoned with lime juice and fresh cilantro.
• Fresh Corn Kernels: Grilled or charred corn adds a sweet, smoky crunch reminiscent of street-style elote.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Forms the base of the lime crema for a tangy, creamy topping.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens up both the rice and the crema with citrusy zing.
• Chopped Cilantro: Adds fresh herbal flavor throughout the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for seasoning the chicken and elevating its flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps with grilling and locking in moisture and flavor.

How To Make the Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice

Cook white rice according to package directions. Once done, fluff with a fork and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste.

Step 3: Char the Corn

In a hot skillet or on the grill, roast the corn until slightly charred. This adds a smoky sweetness that ties the bowl together.

Step 4: Make the Lime Crema

Mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, salt, and a little water to thin it out. Whisk until smooth and drizzle-able.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice. Top with sliced grilled chicken, charred corn, a generous dollop of lime crema, and more cilantro. Add extra lime wedges for freshness.

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Serving and Storing Your Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This recipe makes a hearty, satisfying meal that serves about 4 people generously. Whether you’re plating it fresh or prepping ahead for the week, it’s a great option for lunch or dinner. The ingredients hold up well in the fridge for 3–4 days when stored in airtight containers. Store each component separately if you’re prepping for the week to keep everything fresh and easy to reheat.

For reheating, warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to the rice to revive its texture. The lime crema is best added fresh, right before serving.

What to Serve With Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

1. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Creamy avocado dip with crunchy chips adds a tasty and textural contrast.

2. Black Bean Salad

A simple salad with black beans, red onion, bell peppers, and lime dressing pairs beautifully with the bowl.

3. Mexican Slaw

A tangy cabbage slaw offers freshness and crunch that balances the warm flavors of the bowl.

4. Sautéed Peppers and Onions

Add a fajita-style flair with quickly sautéed peppers and onions on the side or mixed in.

5. Queso Dip

A cheesy dip for extra indulgence—great if you’re serving this bowl at a gathering or party.

6. Fresh Pineapple Slices

The juicy sweetness of pineapple complements the smoky spice of the grilled chicken.

7. Jalapeño Cornbread

For a fun Southern twist, serve the bowl with warm, spicy-sweet cornbread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, black beans, or even roasted sweet potatoes. You’ll still get all the smoky, zesty flavor with a vegetarian twist.

What’s the best rice for this bowl?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are ideal for their fluffiness and mild flavor. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice work well if you’re aiming for a healthier base.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat dry the corn before charring it in a hot pan or grill to avoid excess moisture.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a mild to moderate heat from the chili powder and paprika. If you like more kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you need a quick and delicious meal idea.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add avocado or mix in black beans? Did you grill or pan-sear the chicken?

I love hearing how others customize these bowls to fit their taste. Questions and swaps are welcome—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier!

Explore more of my daily recipes over on Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this bowl brings together the perfect balance of protein, grains, and veggies. Easy, customizable, and full of fresh, bold ingredients—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to favorite in no time.

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