Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 2 cups cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast; 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; juice of 1 lime; 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; salt and pepper to taste; optional toppings: sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, hot sauce

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If you love bold flavors and crave comfort food with a splash of color, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is about to win your heart! Imagine golden, charred corn mingling with juicy chicken, creamy lime sauce, tangy cotija, and fresh cilantro—all nestled over fluffy rice. It’s a perfect fusion of smoky, zesty, and savory notes, inspired by classic Mexican street corn but given a bowl-ready, weeknight twist. This dish is not just satisfying and vibrant, but also brings enough flair to impress at your next dinner or meal prep session.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating an irresistible combination of taste, texture, and colorful appeal—so don’t skip any if you can help it!

Cooked white or brown rice (2 cups): The cozy base that soaks up every bit of flavor from the toppings.
Cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast (2 cups): Adds hearty protein and makes this bowl meal-worthy.
Corn kernels (1 1/2 cups): Charred for that signature smokiness—use fresh, canned, or frozen!
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Lends creamy richness that clings to every kernel of corn.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): For a refreshing tang that balances the creamy sauce (Greek yogurt lightens things up, too).
Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a mild, earthy heat without overwhelming the bowl.
Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with deep, irresistible smokiness.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Layers in savory depth you’ll taste in every bite.
Juice of 1 lime: The citrusy zing that lifts all the flavors up a notch.
Crumpled cotija cheese (1/3 cup): Salty, tangy cheese that gives the recipe its authentic street corn vibe (feta works too!).
Chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, herbal pop and that classic Mexican flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: The baseline seasoning to tie it all together.
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, hot sauce: Build your bowl just the way you like it, every single time.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Char the Corn

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your corn kernels (no need to thaw if using frozen). Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to build up that lovely golden char—this is where the irresistible street corn flavor kicks in! Toss and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, until the corn is golden and just a bit blackened in spots.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

While the corn chars, grab a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The vibrant sauce will smell zesty and inviting, and it’s the key to tying every bite together.

Step 3: Toss the Corn with Sauce and Add-Ins

Transfer the charred corn to a mixing bowl and fold in the creamy sauce. Add the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro, gently stirring to coat the corn. You’ll end up with a luscious, flavorful elote-inspired topping that’s good on pretty much anything!

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the warm, cooked rice among four bowls as your base. Next, add a generous scoop of shredded or diced chicken, followed by a hearty spoonful of your street corn topping. This assembly is where the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe really comes to life—don’t hold back on those toppings!

Step 5: Add Final Toppings and Serve

Personalize each bowl with sliced avocado, a sprinkle more of cotija or feta, fresh lime wedges, hot sauce, or anything your heart desires. Serve immediately while warm (but it’s just as delicious at room temp), and get ready to watch your guests swoon!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

For the ultimate street corn experience, finish each bowl with sliced avocado, extra crumbled cotija cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Lime wedges on the side let you customize the zing, while a drizzle of hot sauce cranks up the excitement for anyone who loves spice. Even a dash of Tajín will turn every bite into pure magic.

Side Dishes

These bowls are satisfyingly complete on their own, but you can round out dinner with a side of black bean salad, crispy tortilla chips, or a scoop of tangy slaw. For something lighter, serve with a chopped green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette to keep things bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe isn’t just for bowls! Scoop the mixture into lettuce cups for a handheld meal, or wrap it up burrito-style for lunch on the go. Spread everything out on a platter for a DIY rice bowl bar, letting everyone build their own creations at the table—guaranteed to be a hit at parties or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the toppings and sauce separately from the rice and chicken for the best texture, and keep avocado slices (if using) in a bowl with a squeeze of lime to prevent browning.

Freezing

The rice and chicken components freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. While the corn mixture can freeze, you’ll lose a little of that creamy freshness, so consider adding the sauce and cilantro after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or in a skillet until heated through. Gently warm the corn mixture to loosen it (if needed), then assemble your bowls, refreshing with extra lime, cilantro, and a bit more cheese to bring the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds heaps of flavor and makes assembling your bowl a breeze. Just shred and use in place of cooked chicken breast.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy topping?

Yes! Substitute the mayo and sour cream with your favorite dairy-free or vegan alternatives, and swap the cotija cheese for a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe will still be irresistible.

What rice works best in this recipe?

You can use any rice you love—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter spin. The key is making sure it’s fluffy and cooked just right to soak up the delicious street corn topping and sauce.

How can I make the dish spicier?

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a extra sprinkle of cayenne to the sauce. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce and a dash of chili powder on top is another easy way to fire things up.

Can I meal prep the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe?

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Store each component separately in containers and assemble your bowl just before eating. You’ll get fresh flavors every time without sacrificing convenience.

Final Thoughts

Truly, few dishes bring the fun and flavor to your table the way this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe does. It’s a weeknight wonder that feels like a fiesta every time, and once you try it, you’re sure to make it a regular in your rotation. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive into this colorful comfort food—you won’t regret it!

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, charred corn, flavorful seasonings, and creamy toppings served over a bed of rice. It’s a Mexican-inspired dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast
1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
juice of 1 lime

Toppings:

1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
optional toppings: sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, hot sauce

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Instructions

Char Corn: In a skillet over medium heat, lightly char the corn for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly blackened.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the charred corn with the sauce mixture and stir in crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro.
Assemble Bowls: To assemble the bowls, divide cooked rice among 4 serving bowls. Top each with chicken, street corn mixture, and additional toppings like avocado, more cheese, lime wedges, or hot sauce if desired.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.