If you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with bold, vibrant flavors, then the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is exactly what you need. This recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken, zesty cilantro-lime rice, and smoky, creamy street corn into a mouthwatering bowl that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you’re craving a refreshing, savory dish or simply want to try something new, this recipe will surely hit the spot.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step to create the perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, along with tips, tricks, and variations to make it your own. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is not only a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also a colorful, fresh, and well-rounded meal. The dish incorporates the best elements of street food flavors—think creamy, charred corn with the zing of lime and the spice of chili powder—combined with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy, citrusy rice. Each ingredient brings its unique texture and flavor, coming together to create a perfectly balanced meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Flavor-packed: The smoky, savory chicken pairs perfectly with the tangy street corn and zesty rice.
Versatile: Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and extra cheese to suit your tastes.
Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, diced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain rice (cooked as per package instructions)
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

For the Street Corn:

2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/2 tsp chili powder
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

Diced avocado
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Extra cotija cheese

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal that has a little bit of everything: protein from the chicken, fiber and sweetness from the corn, and a zesty kick from the lime and chili powder. The optional toppings can be added to your taste, allowing you to make each bowl your own.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Making the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is straightforward and doesn’t take too much time, which makes it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or even meal prep. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning the diced chicken breasts. In a large bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice. Cook the long-grain rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the rice that complements the chicken and street corn perfectly. Set the rice aside.

Step 3: Make the Street Corn

In a separate skillet, heat the corn kernels over medium heat until they are lightly charred (if using fresh corn, this step will add a nice smokiness to the dish). You can use frozen or canned corn if you prefer convenience, and they will still work beautifully in this recipe. Once the corn is charred, remove it from the heat.

In a bowl, mix the corn with mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. The mayonnaise adds creaminess to the corn, while the cotija gives it a tangy, salty kick. The chili powder brings a smoky spice that ties the flavors together.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice in each bowl. Add a generous portion of seasoned chicken on top, followed by the street corn mixture.

Step 5: Add Optional Toppings

This is where you can get creative! Add any of the optional toppings you like, such as diced avocado for a creamy element, chopped tomatoes for a fresh bite, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. A little extra cotija cheese on top doesn’t hurt either!

Serve your bowl warm and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.

Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Use fresh corn: If possible, use fresh corn on the cob and char it in a skillet for an extra smoky flavor. However, frozen or canned corn also works well and makes the dish more convenient.
Customize your toppings: You can tailor this dish to your taste preferences. Add some sour cream for creaminess or sprinkle chili flakes for more heat. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or onions.
Meal prep option: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make the chicken, rice, and street corn ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble your bowl with fresh toppings.
Grill the chicken: For even more flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor that will complement the street corn and make the bowl even more vibrant.
Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more corn or grilled vegetables to the bowl. The smoky, creamy street corn is hearty enough to make this dish satisfying without the meat.

Nutritional Information

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is not only delicious but also a well-balanced meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the rice and corn, and healthy fats from the avocado (if used). Depending on your toppings, the nutritional values will vary, but here’s a rough estimate:

Calories: ~450-500 per serving (without avocado)
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~5g

This bowl is packed with nutrients and is filling enough to satisfy your hunger without weighing you down.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, here are some other recipes that will fit right in with your culinary adventures:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chicken and rice bowls healthy?

Chicken and rice bowls can be a nutritious choice when balanced thoughtfully. By using lean protein (such as skinless chicken breast), whole-grain or brown rice, and a variety of colorful vegetables, you create a meal rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, opting for moderate amounts of healthy fats—like a drizzle of olive oil or a few slices of avocado—helps round out the macronutrient profile. Ultimately, portion control and ingredient quality are key to keeping chicken and rice bowls both satisfying and healthful.

What is a good substitute for mayonnaise in street corn?

If you’re looking to lighten up your street corn or accommodate dietary preferences, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise. It offers a creamy texture while adding protein and tanginess. Alternatively, you can use sour cream for a similar mouthfeel or vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option. Each of these swaps keeps the street corn creamy without sacrificing flavor.

Can Mexican street corn be made ahead of time?

Yes—you can prepare components of Mexican street corn in advance, but for best texture and flavor, finish assembly just before serving. For instance, grill or roast the corn kernels and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also mix the mayo (or yogurt) with spices and cheese ahead of time. Then, simply warm the corn, toss it with the prepared sauce, and add fresh lime juice and cilantro when you’re ready to eat. This approach saves prep time without making the dish soggy.

What goes in a chicken and rice bowl?

A classic chicken and rice bowl typically includes:

Seasoned chicken (grilled, sautéed, or roasted)
Rice (white, brown, or flavored with lime and cilantro)
Vegetables (such as bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, or avocado)
Cheese or creamy elements (like cotija cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt)
Toppings and garnishes (fresh herbs, salsa, pickled onions, or hot sauce)

By layering these components, you get a balanced bowl featuring protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a burst of fresh flavors.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines the best of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers every time. With its smoky, savory chicken, creamy street corn, and zesty cilantro-lime rice, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is about to become a family favorite!

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Easy & Delicious Meal

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a crave-worthy combination of smoky, spiced chicken, tangy cilantro-lime rice, and creamy street-style corn. It’s fresh, filling, and ready to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings any day of the week. Customize it with toppings like avocado or jalapeños for the perfect flavor-packed meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, diced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain rice (cooked per package instructions)
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

For the Street Corn:

2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/2 tsp chili powder
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

Diced avocado
Chopped tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Extra cotija cheese

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Toss diced chicken in chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Cook the Chicken: Sear in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Prepare the Rice: Cook rice as directed, then stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Char the Corn: Sauté corn until slightly charred. Remove from heat, mix with mayo, cotija, chili powder, lime juice, and salt.
Assemble the Bowl: Layer cilantro lime rice, spiced chicken, and creamy street corn. Add your favorite toppings and serve warm!

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo if preferred.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Cotija can be replaced with feta in a pinch.
Perfect for meal prep—store in airtight containers up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg