If you’re craving a flavorful and hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try! Featuring tender grilled chicken, sweet street corn, and a delicious combination of spices, all served over a bed of fluffy rice—this dish is like summer on a plate. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This rice bowl is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The smoky, charred corn, creamy dressing, and juicy chicken pair beautifully with the fluffy rice, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness. It’s customizable too, so you can add or remove ingredients to suit your tastes. Easy to make and even easier to eat—this bowl is a winner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
For the Street Corn:
- Corn on the cob (or frozen corn kernels)
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Rice Bowl:
- Cooked white rice or brown rice
- Avocado, sliced (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges for garnish
Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
Marinate and Cook the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill or Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest before slicing it thinly.
Make the Street Corn
- Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill it until charred on all sides, about 10 minutes. If using frozen corn, simply sauté it in butter until golden and heated through.
- Mix the Street Corn: In a bowl, combine the cooked corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Stir well to coat the corn.
Assemble the Rice Bowl
- Prepare the Rice: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into each bowl.
- Add the Chicken and Street Corn: Layer the sliced chicken on top of the rice, followed by a generous portion of the street corn mixture.
- Top with Optional Garnishes: Add sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Dig into this colorful and flavorful bowl! Serve it with extra lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have fresh corn, frozen corn works just fine, though grilling it will give it a more authentic street corn flavor.
- You can make the chicken spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- To save time, use store-bought rice or pre-cooked chicken for a quicker meal.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for black beans or grilled portobello mushrooms.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice as a base for a lower-carb version.
- Add pickled red onions or jalapeños for an extra punch of flavor.
- If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese or parmesan make great alternatives.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a light side salad or tortilla chips. For drinks, a refreshing iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer would complement the flavors perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the rice and chicken separately, then assemble the bowl with the corn mixture and any garnishes just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen grilled chicken?
Yes! Frozen grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe—just thaw and slice before adding to the bowl.
2. Can I make this bowl spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can swap cotija for feta, parmesan, or even a shredded cheese blend, depending on your preference.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken, corn, and rice in advance. Just assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in a bowl. The juicy grilled chicken, charred corn, and zesty dressing make for a satisfying and filling meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether for dinner or meal prep, this bowl is a flavorful, colorful dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
PrintStreet Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Grilled, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
A delicious fusion of tender grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and seasoned rice, served in a bowl for a comforting, flavorful meal. This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines the essence of Mexican street corn with savory chicken and rice for an unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 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 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Slice thinly.
- Make the street corn: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred. Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime juice. Cook for another 2 minutes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the bowl: In each bowl, place a serving of cooked rice. Top with grilled chicken slices and the street corn mixture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve with extra lime wedges.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- For added flavor, top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- The dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding black beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg