If you love bold flavors, creamy textures, and a little spice, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is about to become your new favorite meal! 🌽🔥 Tender, seasoned chicken, charred street corn, fluffy rice, and a zesty creamy sauce all come together in one epic bowl. It’s like Mexican street corn meets burrito bowl, and the result is absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Packed with flavor – Smoky, spicy, creamy, and tangy all in one bite.
✔ Easy & quick – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Meal-prep friendly – Make it ahead and enjoy all week!
✔ Customizable – Use your favorite toppings and proteins.
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Cholula or sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Extra cotija cheese
- Cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mix over both sides of the chicken breasts and drizzle with lime juice.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
- Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2. Make the Street Corn
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add corn kernels, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred.
- Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro.
3. Cook the Rice
- Mix cooked rice with salt, lime zest, and lime juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, and chili powder in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the Bowls
- Start with rice as the base of each bowl.
- Add sliced chicken on top of the rice.
- Spoon the street corn mixture over the chicken.
- Drizzle with the sauce and add any extra toppings you like!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
✔ Char the corn well – This gives it that smoky, authentic street corn flavor.
✔ Marinate the chicken – Let it sit in the seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
✔ Use fresh lime juice – It brightens the whole dish!
✔ Make it lighter – Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the sauce and street corn.
Variations for This Recipe
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and skip the cheese.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Chicken & Corn: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Rice: Microwave with a splash of water to keep it fluffy.
10 FAQs About Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
1. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
2. Can I use canned corn?
Absolutely! Just drain and pat dry before sautéing.
3. What’s the best rice for this dish?
Jasmine rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice work great!
4. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Store components separately and assemble before eating.
5. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta or parmesan work well!
6. Is this dish spicy?
It has a little kick, but you can reduce the chili powder and hot sauce if needed.
7. Can I add beans to this bowl?
Yes! Black beans or pinto beans add extra protein and fiber.
8. How do I make it extra creamy?
Double the sauce and mix some into the street corn.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
Try tortilla chips, a side salad, or roasted veggies.
10. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just toss shredded rotisserie chicken with the seasonings.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you love about Mexican street corn combined with tender, spiced chicken and fluffy rice. It’s an easy, 30-minute meal that’s packed with bold, smoky, and creamy flavors.
Ready to try it? Whip up this flavor-packed bowl tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home! 🌽🍗🔥