Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling chicken); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sour cream; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 lime, juiced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled; Extra lime wedges (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, you’re going to love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. It brings together tender grilled chicken, creamy, tangy street corn, and perfectly seasoned rice, all combined in one colorful bowl. This dish captures the playful spirit of Mexican street food but makes it wonderfully approachable for any home cook. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl delivers a fiesta of taste in every bite.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make this dish shine, each bringing its own unique flavor, texture, and color to the table. From the juicy grilled chicken to the creamy corn, these essentials are what create the magic of this bowl.

2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced: The star protein, juicy and seasoned to perfection.
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown): A comforting base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Adds sweetness and crispness with a hint of char from cooking.
1 tablespoon butter: For rich flavor and to help char the corn beautifully.
1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and that classic street corn tang.
1 tablespoon sour cream: Brings a touch of tang and silkiness.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat that wakes up the palate.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deep smoky undertones that complement the chicken.
1 lime, juiced: Bright acidity to balance richness and enhance flavors.
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh, herbal brightness for the final touch.
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled: Salty and crumbly, the perfect finishing garnish.
Salt and pepper, to taste: To bring all the components together perfectly seasoned.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling chicken): Helps achieve lovely grill marks and seals in juiciness.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The paprika not only enhances the smoky flavor but also adds a beautiful color. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and juicy. Once done, slice into thin strips for layering on your bowl.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn

Next, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your corn kernels and cook until they develop slight charred spots, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This brings out the corn’s natural sweetness and adds those signature smoky bits. Stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Let it cook together for another couple of minutes so the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you have that classic creamy and tangy street corn flavor ready to go.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Spoon a serving of warm cooked rice into each bowl. Pile on the sliced grilled chicken, then add a generous helping of the creamy street corn mixture on top. The layers in this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl create a harmony of textures and tastes that keep you coming back for more.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate this bowl to a whole new level. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top for a salty kick and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve it with extra lime wedges on the side for folks who love a punch of bright acidity!

Side Dishes

This dish works perfectly on its own but you can serve it alongside simple sides like a fresh green salad, some black beans, or even crispy tortilla chips for extra crunch. A light avocado salsa or pico de gallo can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ingredients deconstructed so your guests can assemble their own Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Another idea is to add a fried egg on top for brunch-style indulgence or wrap everything in a large tortilla to transform it into a hearty burrito bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, store the chicken and rice separately from the creamy corn mixture to prevent sogginess. Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they should stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and cooked rice separately, but it’s best to prepare the street corn fresh each time since the mayonnaise and sour cream can change texture when frozen. For freezing, place the chicken and rice in freezer-safe bags and consume them within a month for the best taste.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist. Reheat the street corn in a skillet over low heat, stirring often, so it doesn’t separate or break down too much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice?

Absolutely! White or brown rice both work great here. You can even try quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb alternative that still holds up to the hearty toppings.

Is there a vegetarian option for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Yes, you can skip the chicken and add black beans, grilled tofu, or roasted vegetables to keep things plant-based while retaining all the bold flavors.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add extra chili powder, some chili flakes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the bowl for an extra kick that wakes up your taste buds.

What’s the best way to get that smoky flavor without a grill?

If you don’t have a grill pan, you can use a hot skillet or broiler to cook the chicken and corn, just make sure to get some nice browning and char for that smoky goodness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! Cook all components ahead and store separately for easy assembly throughout the week. Just add fresh garnishes and lime juice when you’re ready to eat for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl enough—whether you’re new to Mexican-inspired dishes or a longtime fan. It’s colorful, flavorful, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or casual dinners with family and friends. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to staple in your meal rotation!