Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together everything comforting, vibrant, and satisfying in one dish. It is inspired by classic Mexican street corn but elevated with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, tangy sauce that ties everything together. I love this recipe because it offers bold flavors without requiring complicated steps or specialty equipment. The balance of smoky spices, sweet charred corn, and juicy chicken makes it a dish you’ll crave regularly. I once tried preparing it with leftover grilled chicken and almond milk instead of regular cream, and it worked surprisingly well without compromising richness. Whether you need a wholesome lunch, a busy-weeknight dinner, or a meal-prep staple, this bowl delivers hearty nutrition and restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 2 bowls
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and hearty bowl featuring grilled chicken, roasted street-corn, cilantro-lime rice, fresh toppings, and a creamy chile-lime drizzle.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked cilantro-lime rice
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Season the corn with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast in a skillet or oven until lightly charred.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts until cooked through, then slice.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing sour cream, lime juice, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Assemble bowls by adding cilantro-lime rice as the base.
- Top each bowl with grilled chicken, charred corn, red onion, avocado, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with the chile-lime sauce and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Swap chicken for black beans to make it vegetarian.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.
- Frozen corn chars well—no need to thaw.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Lean, protein-rich, and perfect for soaking up the smoky seasoning blend used in this bowl. They cook quickly and remain tender when sliced over the warm rice base.
Cooked rice
A soft, neutral foundation that allows the bold flavors of corn, seasoning, and creamy sauce to shine. You can use jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice.
Corn kernels
Charred or grilled corn adds sweetness and smokiness reminiscent of authentic street corn. Frozen, fresh, or canned corn all work well.
Mayonnaise
This creates the signature creamy street-corn coating. It blends beautifully with spices and lime juice to craft the sauce.
Sour cream
Adds tanginess and helps soften the richness of the mayonnaise, creating a balanced dressing.
Lime juice
Provides acidity that brightens the entire dish and enhances the corn and chicken.
Chili powder
A warming spice that infuses the bowl with gentle heat and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic powder
Adds savory complexity and rounds out the spice mixture used in both chicken and corn.
Cotija cheese
A salty, crumbly cheese traditionally used in Mexican street corn. It adds a delightful finishing touch to the bowl.
Fresh cilantro
This herb adds color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce.
Directions
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle lightly with oil, and sear the chicken for several minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Allow it to rest before slicing so the juices remain intact. In the same pan, add your corn kernels and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a pleasant char.
While the corn browns, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and additional seasoning to create your street-corn sauce. Once the corn is charred, toss it with a portion of the sauce until coated. To assemble, place warm cooked rice into individual bowls. Arrange sliced chicken on top, followed by a generous spoonful of the creamy corn mixture. Finish with Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. The result is a layered, satisfying bowl where each component contributes texture and flavor.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Expect around 10 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to the rice if needed. It is best to store the creamy corn mixture separately to maintain texture when reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Chipotle Bowl
Add chipotle peppers in adobo to the sauce for deeper heat and smokiness.
Protein Swap
Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu in place of chicken for dietary preferences.
Low-Carb Option
Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping flavor intact.
Extra-Veggie Bowl
Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans for added nutrients and volume.
Lightened-Up Cream Sauce
Replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
Grilled Version
Grill both chicken and corn outdoors for a stronger smoky profile.
Rice Alternatives
Use quinoa, farro, or barley for a hearty texture variation.
Cheese Substitution
Replace Cotija with feta if you prefer a slightly creamier crumble.
Citrus Twist
Add orange zest to the sauce for a unique sweet-acidic finish.
Herb Enhancement
Mix parsley or green onions with cilantro for a more diverse herbal note.
FAQs
What type of rice works best for this bowl?
Jasmine or basmati rice offers the best texture, but any cooked rice will work.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace sour cream and Cotija with dairy-free alternatives.
Is grilled corn necessary?
No, but charring the corn improves flavor significantly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it makes this recipe even faster.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Avoid overcooking and allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute with added protein.
Is cilantro required?
No, you may omit it or replace with parsley.
Can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.
Can this be served cold?
Yes, it works well as a chilled lunch bowl.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl blends creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors in a way that feels both comforting and refreshing. It is quick enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests. With simple ingredients, adaptable components, and a flexible structure, it invites creativity while remaining reliably delicious. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, lightly spiced or fiery, this bowl is a versatile meal you will want to return to again and again.