If you love Mexican street corn (Elote) and crave a hearty, flavor-packed meal, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is exactly what you need! This dish combines juicy seasoned chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with spicy, zesty, and cheesy goodness.
It’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep—ready in 30 minutes! Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a grab-and-go lunch, this bowl is packed with bold flavors, protein, and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to create a burst of flavor in every bite.
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Street Corn Mixture
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Rice Base
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
Optional Toppings
- Extra cotija cheese
- Avocado slices
- Hot sauce
- Extra lime wedges
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
This easy one-bowl meal comes together in 30 minutes or less!
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions.
- For extra flavor, stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss diced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Street Corn Mixture
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and add corn kernels.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and seasonings (chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and lime juice).
- Remove from heat and mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice between bowls.
- Top with seasoned chicken and street corn mixture.
- Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Drizzle with hot sauce (if desired) and dig in!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Want a Lighter Version?
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier sauce.
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-seared.
Want More Heat? 🌶️🔥
- Add diced jalapeños to the corn mixture.
- Drizzle with sriracha or chipotle sauce.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken.
Make It Vegetarian 🌱
- Replace chicken with black beans, grilled tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Cheese Swap 🧀
- Use feta or Parmesan if you can’t find cotija.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warm.
Make It Meal Prep-Friendly!
- Assemble in meal prep containers, keeping sauce and toppings separate until ready to eat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just season it lightly and toss it into the bowl for a quick meal.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store all components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
3. Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Just thaw and sauté as directed.
4. What’s the best rice for this bowl?
Cilantro-lime rice adds extra flavor, but brown rice, white rice, or quinoa work great too.
5. Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Swap mayo for avocado and use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
6. Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from chili powder, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.
7. What other toppings work well?
Try adding pico de gallo, pickled onions, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
8. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a smoky, charred flavor that works great.
9. What protein can I use instead of chicken?
Try shrimp, steak, or tofu as an alternative.
10. How do I make this extra creamy?
Add a spoonful of guacamole or drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing.
Conclusion
This Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect mix of smoky, creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors! With juicy seasoned chicken, buttery street corn, and fluffy rice, it’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
It’s great for meal prep, quick dinners, or impressing your friends with restaurant-quality flavor—all from your own kitchen!
🔥 Love bold flavors? Try pairing this with Homemade Guacamole or Mexican Black Beans for the ultimate meal!