Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Chicken – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Olive oil – 2 tbsp; Chili powder – 1 tsp; Smoked paprika – 1 tsp; Garlic powder – 1 tsp; Onion powder – 1 tsp; Salt – ½ tsp; Lime juice – 2 tbsp; Cooked rice – 2 cups; Corn – 1 ½ cups (fresh, frozen, or canned); Butter – 1 tbsp; Cotija cheese – ¼ cup, crumbled; Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped; Avocado (optional) – 1, sliced; Sour cream – ¼ cup; Mayo – 2 tbsp; Lime juice – 1 tbsp; Garlic powder – ½ tsp; Cayenne pepper (optional) – ¼ tsp

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a rice bowl packed with bold flavors, and this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl hits all the right notes. Juicy, seasoned chicken, charred sweet corn, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice come together in a single bowl for a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote), this dish brings the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness to every bite.

I love how versatile and easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, meal prep, or even a fun dinner with friends. The combination of grilled chicken, buttery corn, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro makes it a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Packed with flavor – A blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy goodness in every bite.
Quick & easy – Simple ingredients come together in under 30 minutes.
Great for meal prep – Store leftovers and enjoy throughout the week.
Customizable – Swap out proteins, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Healthy & satisfying – A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fresh toppings.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite. If you’re short on time, you can even use rotisserie chicken—just toss it with the seasoning to get that smoky, spiced flavor.

Grilling or pan-searing the chicken gives it a nice char, but you can also bake it if you prefer a hands-off approach. The key is marinating the chicken for at least 15–30 minutes to lock in the bold, delicious flavors.

Options for Substitutions

Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some easy swaps:

Chicken Substitute – Try shrimp, steak, tofu, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
Rice Options – Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Dairy-Free? – Swap sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream.
Spice Level – Adjust the chili powder and cayenne to make it milder or spicier.
Cheese Swap – Instead of cotija cheese, use feta, parmesan, or a dairy-free alternative.
Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for extra nutrients and color.

Ingredients for This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a flavorful and satisfying bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken – The star of the dish! Marinated and grilled for a smoky, juicy bite.
Corn – Adds sweetness and a slight char for that classic street corn flavor. Fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
Cooked Rice – A fluffy base to soak up all the delicious flavors. White, brown, or even cilantro-lime rice works well.
Sour Cream – The base of the creamy sauce that balances the spice and enhances the richness.
Mayo – A key component in traditional elote sauce, adding a smooth, velvety texture.
Lime Juice – Brings acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the sauce and chicken.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential seasonings that deepen the overall flavor.
Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika – Give the chicken and corn that smoky, slightly spicy kick.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – For an extra bit of heat, if you like it spicy!
Cotija Cheese – Adds a salty, tangy bite, just like in authentic Mexican street corn.
Cilantro – Fresh, fragrant, and the perfect garnish for a pop of flavor.
Avocado – Optional, but adds creaminess and healthy fats.

Every bite of this bowl is packed with bold, zesty, creamy, and slightly smoky flavors—just like a street corn-inspired dish should be!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime juice, and a little olive oil. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until it develops a nice char and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn

In the same pan, add a little butter and the corn. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels get slightly charred. Season with a pinch of salt and chili powder.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, lime juice, garlic powder, and a little cayenne. Stir until smooth. This will be drizzled over the bowl for that classic street corn flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of warm rice, then add the grilled chicken and charred corn. Drizzle the creamy sauce on top, then sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Add sliced avocado for an extra touch of creaminess.

How Long to Cook the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Cooking this dish is quick and simple:

Chicken: 5–7 minutes per side on medium-high heat, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Corn: 3–5 minutes until lightly charred.
Rice: Depending on the type, white rice takes 15–20 minutes, while brown rice takes 30–40 minutes if cooking from scratch.

Total active cooking time is about 20 minutes, making this a fast and easy meal!

Tips for a Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Marinate the Chicken – Even 15 minutes makes a difference, but for deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
Use Fresh Corn if Possible – While frozen or canned corn works, fresh corn adds a delicious sweetness and better texture.
Get a Good Sear on the Chicken – A hot pan or grill will help caramelize the outside, locking in those smoky flavors.
Balance the Sauce – Adjust lime juice and seasoning in the creamy sauce to match your taste preference.
Don’t Overcook the Corn – A light char brings out its natural sweetness without making it tough.
Make it Spicier – Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for more heat.
Serve Fresh – This bowl is best enjoyed immediately while everything is warm and flavorful.

Following these tips will guarantee a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and texture every single time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Marinade – Even a short marinade makes a huge difference in flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Overcooking the Chicken – Dry chicken can ruin the dish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it stays juicy.
Not Charring the Corn – That slight caramelization adds depth, so don’t just warm it—let it get a little color.
Making the Sauce Too Thick or Thin – Balance the mayo, sour cream, and lime juice for the perfect creamy drizzle.
Forgetting the Garnishes – Cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice bring the dish together, so don’t skip them!
Using Bland Rice – Cooking rice in broth or seasoning it lightly enhances the overall flavor of the bowl.
Not Letting the Chicken Rest – Cutting into the chicken immediately will release its juices, making it dry. Give it a few minutes before slicing.

What to Serve With Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Soft Flour or Corn Tortillas

Turn this bowl into tacos with some warm tortillas on the side.

Guacamole & Chips

A fresh and creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the flavors of this dish.

Black Beans or Refried Beans

Adds extra protein and a rich, hearty texture to your meal.

Mexican Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw with cabbage, lime, and cilantro complements the dish well.

Salsa Roja or Salsa Verde

Drizzle some fresh salsa for extra zest and spice.

Horchata or Agua Fresca

A sweet, refreshing drink balances out the bold, smoky flavors.

Queso Dip

A warm and cheesy side to enjoy with tortilla chips or drizzled on top of the bowl.

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes with chili powder and lime make for a great side dish.

Adding any of these sides will take your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to the next level!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will keep the flavors fresh:

Chicken – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Rice – Keep in a separate container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it from drying out.
Corn & Sauce – Store the corn in the fridge for 3–4 days and the sauce for up to a week in a sealed container.
Freezing – The chicken and corn freeze well for up to 2 months. Store separately and thaw in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the sauce, as it may separate.

For meal prep, store everything in separate sections or containers and assemble fresh before serving!

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (without extra toppings):

Calories: 550–600 kcal
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g

These values will vary based on portion sizes and ingredient swaps, but overall, this bowl is a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken, corn, and rice in advance and store them separately. Assemble the bowl and add the sauce when ready to serve.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just drain and rinse canned corn, then sauté it in a pan to get a little char for extra flavor.

How can I make this spicier?

Add extra cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the marinade, sauce, or as a topping.

What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great alternative with a similar salty tang, or you can use grated parmesan.

Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Yes! Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even farro work well as a substitute.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Of course! Just shred it and toss it in the seasoning mix before heating it up.

How do I keep the sauce from being too thick?

If it’s too thick, add a little extra lime juice or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s an easy way to enjoy bold, delicious flavors in every bite.

Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with your family and friends, and let me know how you customize your bowl!