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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Easy & Flavorful Summer Dinner

A smoky, creamy, and vibrant rice bowl inspired by Mexican street corn—topped with juicy grilled chicken and zesty lime crema. 🎉 Introduction Get ready for a bowl bursting with flavor, texture, and sunny vibes! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines juicy grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and a sweet and smoky street corn topping with tangy lime crema. It’s the ultimate summer dinner—easy to prep, loaded with fresh ingredients, and totally customizable. ☀️🍚🌽
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients
  

🍗 For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
🌽 For the Street Corn Mix
  • 1 ½ cups corn kernels fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
🍚 For the Rice
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Pinch of salt
🌿 Optional Toppings
  • Extra cheese
  • Hot sauce or tajín
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh jalapeño rings
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Rice cooker or saucepan
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
  1. Rub chicken with olive oil and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  3. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mix
  1. Mix mayo, cheese, lime juice, smoked paprika, cilantro, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Fold in corn kernels until fully coated.
Step 3: Season the Rice
  1. Mix cooked rice with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Keep warm.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl
  1. Start with a scoop of lime rice.
  2. Add sliced chicken on one side.
  3. Spoon generous helpings of the street corn mix.
  4. Add toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Spicy: Add diced jalapeño to the corn or hot sauce on top
Low-Carb: Swap rice with cauliflower rice
Protein Swap: Use grilled shrimp, tofu, or pulled pork
Loaded Bowl: Add black beans, tomatoes, or roasted peppers
Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and omit cheese
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store rice, corn mix, and chicken separately for up to 4 days
Reheating: Microwave rice and chicken; add corn mix fresh
Freezer: Chicken and rice freeze well; corn topping is best fresh
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—it's a great shortcut for quick assembly.
Is cotija cheese necessary?
Feta or shredded parmesan works fine.
Can I skip mayo in the corn mix?
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream as an alternative.
Do I need to grill the chicken?
Pan-searing or baking works just as well.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, just check your cheese and mayo labels to be sure.
Can I serve it cold?
It works great as a cold lunch bowl too!
What kind of rice should I use?
Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice are all good choices.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely—store components separately and assemble fresh.
Can I use canned corn?
Yes—just drain and use directly or lightly roast first.
What drink pairs well with this?
Try lime agua fresca, a light beer, or iced tea!
🏁 Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect way to bring the joy of summer into a simple dinner. Bold spices, creamy corn, citrusy rice, and juicy grilled chicken come together in a bowl that looks as good as it tastes. 🌞🌽🍗
It’s colorful, customizable, and made to be enjoyed outside under the sun—or right at your kitchen table.