The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish inspired by Mexican street food.
It combines juicy, seasoned chicken with creamy, tangy street corn, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and cotija cheese. A smoky chipotle or garlic-lime sauce ties everything together, creating a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and zest.
This dish is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether served in a bowl or wrapped in a tortilla, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings bold flavors to the table with minimal effort.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful fusion of Mexican street corn and a hearty, protein-packed meal.
Juicy, seasoned chicken is served over a bed of fluffy rice, topped with creamy, zesty street corn salsa made with roasted corn, mayo, lime, and cotija cheese.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dash of chili powder add the perfect finishing touch.
This dish is both satisfying and easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the Rice:
Prepare rice according to package instructions. Keep warm.
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Season diced chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
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Make the Street Corn Mix:
In a bowl, mix corn, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, and Tajín. Stir well.
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Assemble the Bowl:
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Divide rice into bowls.
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Top with chicken and street corn mix.
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Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.
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Serve & Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 800kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 10g40%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Tips & Tricks
A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, flavor-packed dish inspired by Mexican street corn (elote) and grilled chicken, served over rice with creamy, tangy toppings. Here’s how to make it even better with some helpful tips and tricks!
1. Perfectly Cooked Chicken
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Use a blend of lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a bit of honey for a balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors.
- Grill or Sear for Best Texture – Grilled chicken adds a smoky touch, but if using a stovetop, sear it in a cast-iron skillet for a golden-brown crust.
- Rest Before Slicing – Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
2. Flavorful Rice Base
- Use a Broth Instead of Water – Cooking rice in chicken broth or adding a pinch of cumin and garlic powder enhances the flavor.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice for Freshness – Stir in chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice after cooking for a zesty, aromatic touch.
- Consider Other Grains – Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you prefer a healthier option.
3. The Best Street Corn Topping
- Charred Corn for Smokiness – Grill or pan-sear the corn for a slight char, mimicking traditional street corn flavor.
- Creamy & Tangy Sauce – Mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and cotija cheese for the authentic Mexican street corn sauce. If cotija is unavailable, feta or parmesan works as substitutes.
- Spice it Up! – Add a sprinkle of Tajín, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra heat and depth.
4. Toppings & Add-Ons
- Avocado & Guacamole – Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Pickled Red Onions – A pop of acidity enhances the flavors.
- Black Beans & Pico de Gallo – Extra protein and freshness.
- Crunch Factor – Crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) give a nice crunch.
5. Serving Tricks
- Bowl Assembly Order Matters – Start with the rice, layer the chicken, then top with street corn mix, sauces, and fresh toppings.
- Make it a Meal Prep Dish – Store ingredients separately and assemble fresh to prevent soggy rice or wilted toppings.
- Adjust for Dietary Needs –
- Low-carb? Use cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-free? Swap mayo and sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt.
- Extra protein? Add black beans or a fried egg on top.
Serving Size
- This recipe typically serves 2-4 people depending on portion size.
- For a larger group, double the ingredients and serve buffet-style so guests can customize their bowls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn (elote).
It typically consists of seasoned grilled chicken, rice, and a creamy, tangy corn topping made with cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices.
It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and veggies, offering a delicious blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep most components in advance:
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Chicken: Marinate and cook it ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve.
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Corn topping: Mix the corn, cheese, lime, and seasoning ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Rice: Cook rice in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of water for best results.
To serve, simply reheat the ingredients and assemble the bowl.
How can I make this healthier or low-carb?
To lighten up the dish, try these swaps:
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Rice Alternatives: Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
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Dairy-Free Option: Swap cotija cheese for dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast.
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Lean Protein: Use grilled chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce fat content.
