Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1.5 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 3 tbsp lime juice; 2 cups cooked rice; 1.5 cups sweet corn; 1 tbsp butter; ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

July 31, 2025

Updated:

July 31, 2025

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This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of juicy marinated chicken, sweet charred corn, and a zesty creamy sauce makes it truly special and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the bold tastes of Mexican street corn in a wholesome bowl that’s both comforting and exciting.
Customizable Ingredients: Adjust toppings and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages with its delicious flavors and fun presentation.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl efficiently, gather some essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill pan or skillet
Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Serving plates

Importance of Each Tool

Grill pan or skillet: Ideal for achieving a nice sear on the chicken while also allowing you to char the corn perfectly.
Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken thoroughly, allowing all those spices to infuse well.
Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the chicken and chopping garnishes quick and easy.

Ingredients

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with bold flavors! Juicy marinated chicken, charred sweet corn, fluffy rice, and a creamy, zesty sauce come together for a satisfying meal. Inspired by Mexican street corn, this dish is easy to make and perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

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

For Garnish

Avocado (optional) – 1, sliced

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and lime juice. Add the chicken breasts or thighs into the marinade. Ensure they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15–30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken in the pan. Cook each side for about 5–7 minutes until fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Char the Corn

In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add in your corn (fresh or frozen) and cook for about 3–5 minutes until it’s slightly charred. Season it with a pinch of salt and chili powder for extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mayo, lime juice, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Start with a base of cooked rice in each serving plate. Top with sliced chicken and charred corn. Drizzle generously with your creamy sauce. Finally, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top. Add sliced avocado if desired for an extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Serving the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful experience that allows for creativity and personalization. This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Add Fresh Toppings

Cilantro – A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices enhance the richness of the bowl.
Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Create a Layered Bowl

Rice Base – Start with a generous layer of fluffy rice as the foundation.
Chicken and Corn – Layer on sliced marinated chicken and charred corn for that savory goodness.
Drizzle Sauce – Finish with your creamy sauce for an extra zesty kick.

Pair with a Side Salad

Simple Green Salad – A light green salad complements the hearty bowl well.
Corn Salad – Include a fresh corn salad to echo the flavors in your bowl.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To make your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips that elevate both flavor and presentation.

Bold Marinade – Use plenty of spices in your marinade to infuse the chicken with robust flavor.
Char Your Corn – Ensure you get a nice char on the corn for an added smoky taste.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste, especially with herbs and vegetables.
Adjust Spice Levels – Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding more cayenne if you prefer heat.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make extra portions for easy meal prep throughout the week while keeping flavors intact.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Pairing sides with your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

Black Beans – Protein-rich black beans add heartiness and pair well with the rice bowl’s flavors.
Mexican Street Corn Salad – This fresh salad echoes the main dish’s theme, combining corn, cheese, and spices.
Guacamole – Creamy guacamole brings richness and pairs well with the zesty sauce from the bowl.
Pico de Gallo – Fresh salsa adds brightness and texture to balance out the creamy elements of your bowl.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips provide a satisfying texture contrast when enjoyed alongside your rice bowl.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies add color and flavor while keeping things healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Over-marinating the chicken – Marinating for too long can make the chicken mushy. Stick to the recommended 15–30 minutes for optimal flavor and texture.
Skipping the char on corn – Not charring the corn can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook it until slightly charred for that authentic street corn taste.
Using dry rice – Overcooked or dry rice can ruin your bowl. Ensure your rice is fluffy and moist, which will help balance the other flavors in the dish.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Every ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to suit your palate, particularly with salt and lime juice.
Not letting chicken rest – Cutting into chicken right away can cause juices to run out. Always let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Should be consumed within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with date for reference.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Yes! You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition and color.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with grilled mushrooms or tofu and keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian option.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Jasmine or basmati rice works well due to their fluffy texture, but you can use any cooked rice that you prefer.

How do I store leftovers of my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is not just flavorful; it’s also versatile and perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or sides, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick dinner. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more!

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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe