Get ready to dig into the vibrant flavors of the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—a seriously craveable meal that combines juicy chicken, creamy and zesty street corn, and a fluffy bed of rice. Every bite is a fiesta of tastes and textures, from the chili-lime marinade on the chicken to that irresistible creamy elote-style topping. It’s the kind of weeknight bowl you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially once you see how simple it is to throw together. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl satisfies every craving for something bold, bright, and totally comforting.

Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of simple, colorful ingredients can create so much depth in one bowl! Every element in this fusion dish plays a key role—juicy chicken brings satisfying protein, sweet corn adds crunch and summer vibes, while lime and spices tie everything together with a zesty kick.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer.
Lime juice (or lemon juice): Fresh citrus brightens the marinade and makes flavors pop in the final bowl.
Avocado oil (or olive oil): This adds richness and helps the chicken brown perfectly; use your favorite mild oil.
Chili powder (or paprika): Brings gentle heat and that classic street corn flavor—use more or less to adjust the spice level.
Garlic powder (optional): A savory touch that elevates the marinade, but skip it if you want a simpler flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: For perfect seasoning from top to bottom.
Sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible): Grilling adds a smoky twist, but canned or frozen corn is totally fine for convenience.
Red onion, thinly sliced (optional): For an extra bite and color—leave it out for a milder topping.
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): This adds creaminess and tang to the street corn topping.
Mayonnaise: Classic and essential for that elote-inspired flavor combo.
Crumbled cotija cheese (or feta/queso fresco): Adds salty, crumbly richness—try feta if cotija is hard to find.
Chili powder: For extra seasoning in the topping and that signature red sprinkle.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Just a pinch in the corn mixture pulls all the flavors together.
Lime juice (for extra zest): A splash in the topping makes everything sing.
Lime wedges, for serving: Squeeze on just before eating for an extra spark.
Cooked jasmine rice (or white/brown rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb): Use your favorite base—it’s all about what you love.
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): For a final burst of color and herby freshness.

How to Make Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken with the bold flavors that set this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl apart. In a bowl, combine lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Coat each piece evenly and let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. This step guarantees the chicken gets ultra-flavorful and juicy, soaking up all those zesty, savory notes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the marinated chicken thighs (or breasts) for 8-10 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, then slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces—these juicy morsels will top your bowl and soak up every bit of smoky citrus flavor!

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

While the chicken rests, whip up the magic that makes this recipe a standout. In a bowl, combine grilled corn (those smoky bits are a big bonus!), red onion if you like, sour cream, mayo, crumbled cotija, a sprinkle of chili powder, salt and pepper, and a fresh squeeze of lime. Stir everything until creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.

Step 4: Reheat the Rice

If you’re working with cold rice, reheat it gently with a splash of water in the microwave or in a pan over low heat. The rice will get fluffy again and ready to soak up all the saucy and juicy toppings in your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Layer your bowls with a generous scoop of hot, steamy rice. Pile on the sliced chicken, creamy street corn mixture, a little extra cotija, and some fresh cilantro for color and pop. Tuck in a lime wedge on the side for squeezing just before eating—every element in the bowl comes together for the perfect bite.

Step 6: Serve

The finishing touch for any Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: squeeze fresh lime over the top just before diving in! This extra hit of citrus brings the flavors to life and ties the whole dish together into something you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Take your bowl over the top with a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, and a final sprinkle of chili powder for color. Lime wedges are a must for anyone who loves an extra zing—just let everyone customize to their taste!

Side Dishes

While the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a meal on its own, you can round it out with a simple green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette, some warm tortillas, or a bowl of black beans for an extra boost of fiber. If you’re feeling festive, a batch of chips and homemade guac is always a hit alongside these bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bowls family-style for a fun DIY dinner—set out each component in separate bowls and let everyone build their own Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. For parties or meal prep, layer in mason jars for a portable lunch or picnic. You can even serve the components on top of crispy tostadas for a crunchy, hand-held twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, rice, and street corn topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps preserve the best flavors and textures, so your next Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will always taste fresh.

Freezing

The cooked chicken and rice both freeze well—just pack them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. The street corn topping is best made fresh, but you can freeze the corn and cheese separately if you like for faster assembly later.

Reheating

Simply reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to restore that fluffy texture. The street corn topping is best served cold or at room temperature, so just spoon it over the piping hot rice and chicken after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this bowl dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream, use vegan mayo, and try a plant-based cheese or just leave the cheese out—your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will still be creamy and delicious.

What if I don’t have a grill for the corn?

No worries at all! Simply use thawed frozen corn or canned corn and toast it in a hot skillet until lightly charred. This trick gives you that irresistible grilled flavor without the need for a grill.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely, especially if you’re in a hurry. Just shred the chicken and toss it with a splash of lime juice and chili powder to echo the original flavors. Your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will come together even faster!

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe is pretty mild and crowd-pleasing as written, but the beauty of the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is that you can add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or even sliced jalapeños to spice it up exactly how you like it.

Can I prep any part of this ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken and prepare the corn topping a day in advance if you like. Cook the rice fresh or use leftover rice—just assemble when you’re ready to eat for ultimate flavor and ease.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick to prepare, lively in flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser, you truly can’t go wrong with this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. I hope you’ll give it a try and find yourself returning to it anytime you’re craving something comforting, colorful, and fun. Happy cooking!