If you're looking for a bold, colorful, and downright delicious meal, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your answer. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, this recipe brings together juicy seasoned chicken, roasted corn, creamy cotija sauce, and fluffy rice in a bowl that hits every craving. With layers of spice, crunch, and creaminess, this bowl is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor-packed excitement.
Why This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Will Be Your New Favorite
This dish delivers restaurant-level taste in a quick and easy format, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The contrast of hot, charred corn with cool creamy toppings and tender chicken seasoned to perfection makes this bowl an explosion of textures and flavors. It’s also easily customizable for spice lovers or health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Juice of ½ lime
For the Street Corn Mix:
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2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1 tablespoon butter
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
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⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
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Juice of 1 lime
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¼ cup chopped cilantro
For the Rice Base:
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
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Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of lime juice and chopped cilantro for added flavor
Optional Toppings:
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Diced avocado
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Jalapeño slices
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Hot sauce or sriracha
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Extra cotija cheese
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Fresh lime wedges
How to Make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Let it rest, then slice or dice.
Step 2: Make the Street Corn
In the same pan, melt butter and add the corn. Cook until lightly charred (about 5–7 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cilantro.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop rice into each bowl. Top with sliced chicken and a generous spoonful of the street corn mix. Add optional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and hot sauce.
What Makes This Bowl So Irresistible?
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Spicy, smoky chicken seasoned with bold Latin flavors
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Creamy and tangy street corn that adds texture and zest
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Hearty rice base that soaks up all the sauces
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Bright, fresh toppings that balance the richness
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Customizable ingredients that work for meal prep, gluten-free, or low-carb diets
Tips for Maximum Flavor
Use Fire-Roasted Corn
If possible, use fresh grilled corn on the cob or frozen fire-roasted corn for added smokiness.
Don’t Skip the Lime
Citrus brightens the whole dish and brings out every layer of flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Let the seasoned chicken sit for 15–30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
Serve Warm or Cold
This bowl tastes amazing freshly made or cold straight from the fridge—perfect for meal prep!
Healthy Swaps and Add-Ons
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Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost
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Add black beans for fiber and extra protein
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Top with shredded lettuce or cabbage for a crunchier bite
Meal Prep Tips
This bowl is excellent for prepping ahead. Simply store the chicken, corn mix, and rice in separate containers. Reheat as needed and assemble before serving to maintain freshness.
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Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet; freshen with a squeeze of lime.
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Portion: Ideal for packing into meal prep containers for quick lunches.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
BBQ Street Corn Bowl
Swap the chicken spices for BBQ rub and drizzle BBQ sauce before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Version
Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and top with ranch instead of crema.
Breakfast Street Corn Bowl
Add a fried egg on top and swap rice for crispy potatoes for a hearty brunch bowl.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe fits every mood and moment:
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Weeknight dinner? Done in 30 minutes.
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Entertaining guests? It’s stunning and flavorful.
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Meal prepping for the week? Make it once, enjoy it all week long.
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Feeding picky eaters? Everyone can build their own bowl.
Conclusion
The Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Bold spices, charred corn, creamy cotija, and juicy chicken come together to create a bowl that’s bursting with flavor, color, and satisfaction. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
