If you love bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying, wholesome meal, then this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try! This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy Mexican-style street corn, and fluffy rice for the ultimate flavor-packed experience. Inspired by Mexican elote (street corn), this easy-to-make rice bowl is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a fun, customizable dinner for family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Bold & Creamy Flavors – A mix of spices, tangy lime, and creamy street corn.
✔️ Protein-Packed & Satisfying – A well-balanced meal with lean chicken, rice, and veggies.
✔️ Super Easy to Make – One-pan chicken, quick corn topping, and fluffy rice.
✔️ Customizable – Make it spicy, cheesy, or low-carb!
Let’s dive into this flavor explosion and create a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl that will wow your taste buds! 🌽🍗🍚
What is Mexican Street Corn (Elote)?
Mexican elote is a grilled corn dish slathered with a creamy, tangy, and cheesy topping, often made with:
✅ Mayonnaise or sour cream
✅ Cotija cheese or feta
✅ Lime juice
✅ Chili powder or Tajín
For this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, we take all those delicious flavors and turn them into a creamy topping for seasoned chicken over rice.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
1. Chicken (The Protein Star) 🍗
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Seasoned with smoky, bold spices for max flavor.
2. Street Corn Topping (The Flavor Bomb) 🌽
- Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Mayonnaise & sour cream – For creaminess
- Lime juice – For brightness
- Cotija or feta cheese – Adds salty, tangy depth
- Chili powder or Tajín – Brings a smoky, mild heat
- Fresh cilantro – For herby freshness
3. Rice (The Comforting Base) 🍚
- White rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
- Cooks fluffy and absorbs all the flavors.
4. Extra Toppings (The Final Touches) 🥑🧀🌶️
- Avocado or guacamole – Creamy & rich
- Pickled jalapeños – Adds a spicy kick
- Sliced radishes – Crunchy freshness
- Tortilla strips – Crispy topping
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water.
- Cook with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
🔹 For Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- Mix ½ cup chopped cilantro, juice of 1 lime, and 1 tbsp butter into the rice.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- Slice 2 chicken breasts or 4 thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat with:
✅ 1 tsp chili powder
✅ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✅ ½ tsp garlic powder
✅ ½ tsp cumin
✅ Salt & black pepper to taste - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Street Corn Topping
- In a bowl, mix:
✅ 1 ½ cups cooked corn (grilled, canned, or frozen)
✅ ¼ cup mayonnaise
✅ ¼ cup sour cream
✅ ½ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
✅ Juice of 1 lime
✅ ½ tsp chili powder or Tajín
✅ 2 tbsp chopped cilantro - Stir until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
- Start with a base of rice.
- Top with seasoned chicken.
- Spoon on the creamy street corn mixture.
- Add any extra toppings (avocado, jalapeños, tortilla strips, cheese).
- Finish with extra lime juice & fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
✔️ Grill the corn – Adds a smoky depth to the dish.
✔️ Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick version.
✔️ Make it spicier – Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
✔️ Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
✔️ Let the flavors sit – Letting the corn topping rest for 5-10 minutes makes it even better!
Flavor Variations & Customizations
1. Spicy Street Corn Chicken Bowl 🌶️
- Add extra Tajín or cayenne pepper.
- Top with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.
2. Cheese-Lover’s Version 🧀
- Add extra Cotija cheese & melted queso drizzle.
3. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version 🥑
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or lettuce.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier sauce.
4. Tex-Mex Version 🌮
- Add black beans & salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Swap chicken for shredded beef or shrimp.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply shred the chicken and season it with spices before adding it to the bowl.
2. What’s the best cheese substitute for Cotija?
Feta cheese works great as a salty, crumbly substitute.
3. Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Just thaw and sauté it in a pan for better texture and flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Assemble everything except the avocado and toppings, and add them fresh when serving.
6. What’s the best way to reheat?
Reheat the rice and chicken in a microwave or stovetop, then add fresh toppings.
7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free mayo & yogurt and swap Cotija for vegan cheese.
8. How do I make this dish even healthier?
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
Perfect Side Dishes & Pairings
🌮 Warm Flour or Corn Tortillas – For a taco-style experience.
🥗 Mexican Black Bean Salad – A light, refreshing side.
🥑 Guacamole & Chips – A must-have for dipping.
🍹 Horchata or Fresh Limeade – A cool, refreshing drink pairing.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is bold, creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a fun gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Now, grab your ingredients and make this flavor-packed bowl—your taste buds will thank you!
Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – A Bold & Satisfying Meal
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is loaded with bold flavors—juicy seasoned chicken, creamy Mexican-style corn, fluffy rice, and a zesty lime crema drizzle. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lime
For the Rice Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
For the Lime Crema Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken and drizzle with lime juice.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
Prepare the Street Corn Topping:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add corn and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly charred.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well.
Make the Lime Crema:
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and water until smooth and slightly runny.
Season the Rice:
- Stir lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt into warm cooked rice for extra flavor.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the seasoned rice between serving bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
- Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with extra cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Serve & Enjoy!
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra spice!
