The first time I made this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to recreate the flavors of classic Mexican street corn in a hearty meal! 🎉 Juicy chicken thighs, smoky grilled corn, fluffy rice, and a creamy, tangy sauce all come together in one satisfying bowl. With every bite, you get the perfect mix of savory, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors.
I love how customizable this recipe is! I can switch up the toppings for a family dinner or keep it simple for meal prep. Whether it’s adding some avocado, pico de gallo, or an extra drizzle of sauce, there’s room to make it exactly how you want. What’s more, it’s quick to whip up and so visually stunning that it almost feels like a dish straight from a restaurant kitchen. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper! 🍴
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Discover why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe book!
Exploding With Flavor
This recipe takes all the bold flavors of Mexican street corn—lime, chili, and cheese—and pairs them with juicy chicken and rice for a complete meal. Each bite is a burst of creamy, smoky, and zesty goodness!
Easy and Quick to Make
From marination to assembly, the recipe is streamlined for simplicity. If you’re short on time, it’s a lifesaver for a delicious, wholesome dinner.
Totally Customizable
Want extra spice? Add jalapeños. Like it tangy? Squeeze more lime! You can tweak this recipe with your favorite toppings and seasoning.
Great for Meal Prep
You can easily make it ahead, store it separately, and assemble the bowls whenever you’re ready. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
Crowd-Pleaser
With vibrant colors and layers of flavor, this dish feels fancy enough for gatherings yet simple enough for weekday meals. Everyone can build their bowl just the way they like it!
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much time this recipe takes!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
These are the key ingredients you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish!
For the Chicken
- Chicken thighs
- Lime juice
- Avocado oil
- Chili powder
- Cumin powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping
- Grilled corn kernels
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Cotija cheese
- Red onion
- Chili powder
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Pepper
For the Rice and Garnish
- Cooked rice (jasmine or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro
Variations
Switch up the ingredients or add extra toppings to make the recipe your own!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- No cotija cheese at home? Feta or queso fresco works perfectly.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthy twist.
Flavor Enhancements
- Add diced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle Tajín seasoning or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Toss in some black beans or roasted bell peppers for more texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet: To cook the chicken.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating chicken and mixing toppings.
- Cutting Board: For prepping chicken and veggies.
- Knife: To slice chicken and dice ingredients.
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Follow these simple steps to build a delicious and vibrant street corn chicken rice bowl!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken 🍋
Mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs evenly and marinate for 15-30 minutes. This quick marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also ensures it’s packed with zesty flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken 🍗
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Sear each side for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and allow it to rest before slicing into strips or chunks.
Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture 🌽
To a bowl, add grilled corn kernels, sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, red onion, and chili powder. Mix well until creamy. Add a squeeze of lime and season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy topping is what makes the dish irresistible!
Step 4: Prepare the Rice 🍚
Reheat cooked rice with a splash of water, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Fluff the rice with a fork to keep it soft and light. Jasmine or basmati rice works great for this dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls 🍴
Start with a scoop of warm rice as your base. Layer on the sliced chicken, then top with a generous helping of the street corn mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a wedge of lime, and, if you like, a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! 🌟
Grab a spoon and dig in! Each vibrant bowl is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. For a fun twist, add guacamole or drizzle the bowl with extra sour cream. Yum!
Tips for Making the Recipe
These useful tips will help you get the best results every time!
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t skip the marination step—it makes the chicken extra juicy! For even more flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge.
- Char the Corn for Smokiness: Grilled corn really elevates this dish. If fresh corn isn’t available, sauté frozen corn in a hot skillet until slightly charred.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: From lime juice to cilantro, fresh ingredients give the dish its authentic and vibrant flavor.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Always ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and delicious results.
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Here’s how to make your bowl look just as good as it tastes!
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the bowls assembled with fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, and extra cheese crumbles. It also pairs beautifully with tortilla chips on the side. Want a little heat? Add a drizzle of hot sauce or top with sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick!
Nutritional Information
Each serving is packed with nutrition that satisfies!
- Calories: 512
- Protein: 22.6g
- Carbohydrates: 43.5g
- Fat: 28.2g
Make Ahead and Storage
Save time with these tips for prepping and storing this dish!
Meal Prep in Advance
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the chicken, prepare the corn mixture, and store them separately in airtight containers. The rice can also be made ahead and refrigerated. When you’re ready, simply reheat and assemble the bowls.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store individual components separately to retain freshness.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling your bowl.
With its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and endless topping possibilities, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience on a plate. Go ahead, give it a try tonight, and make every bite memorable! 🌽🍴
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels grilled if possible; frozen works too
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup sour cream reserve half for drizzling
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- For the Rice & Assembly:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Season & Marinate the Chicken
- Mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade and let them sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Street Corn Topping
- In a bowl, combine grilled or sautéed corn, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors.
Prepare the Rice
- Reheat the cooked rice with a splash of water until it’s warm and fluffy.
Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of rice, then top it with sliced chicken and the street corn mixture. Sprinkle extra Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top, then garnish with lime wedges. If desired, drizzle extra sour cream or add a sprinkle of Tajín for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve
- Enjoy warm, with an optional squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Notes
- Marinate longer for juicier chicken—overnight is best.
- Charred corn adds a smoky touch; sauté frozen corn if needed.
- Fresh ingredients like lime and cilantro enhance flavor.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
