Name: Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, juiced; 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups water; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 avocado, diced; Hot sauce, to taste (optional); Lime wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crave-worthy dinner that feels like a mini vacation in a bowl, you have to try the Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe. Bursting with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors, juicy chicken, zesty elote-inspired corn, creamy avocado, fluffy rice, and plenty of garnishes, this bowl delivers big taste in every bite without keeping you chained to the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a bright pick-me-up on a weeknight, this is the recipe that everyone will request again and again.

Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients transform into something so satisfying. Each component in this Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe brings its own color, texture, or bold note to the party. Every bite sings!

Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy chicken, cubed for maximum flavor and fast cooking.

Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the seasonings cling beautifully.
Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and smoky depth to the marinade.

Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones that play perfectly with the other spices.
Smoked Paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness for that irresistible grilled flavor.

Garlic Powder: Delivers essential savoriness in every bite.
Onion Powder: Balances out the spice blend with sweet, rounded flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but needed to highlight all the other notes.

Fresh Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy kernels create that signature street corn pop.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps caramelize the corn, especially on the grill.
Mayonnaise: Classic elote-style creaminess that binds the street corn topping.

Sour Cream: Gives extra tang and silkiness to the corn mix.
Cotija Cheese: Salty, crumbly cheese that’s absolutely key for that true street corn flair.
Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro offers herby brightness with every forkful.

Lime Juice: Tart lime lifts and balances the warm flavors.
Chili Powder (extra): Sprinkle in more for anyone who likes the heat kicked up a notch.
Long-Grain White Rice: The fluffy, neutral base that ties all those bold toppings together.

Water: Essential for perfectly cooked rice.
Olive Oil (for rice): Helps prevent sticky rice and adds subtle richness.
Salt (for rice): Brings out the natural flavor of the rice.

Black Beans (canned): Creamy, protein-packed beans add heartiness and color.
Avocado: Lush, creamy cubes offer the perfect contrast to the punchy corn.
Hot Sauce (optional): Adds a fun jolt of heat if you’re feeling bold.

Lime Wedges: The crowning touch for a squeeze of freshness at the table.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the cubed chicken breasts in olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Give everything a good stir to make sure every cube gets coated in that delicious, smoky spice blend. This quick marinade promises flavor in every bite without waiting for hours!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping only once, until deeply golden and cooked through. When done, set the chicken aside to lock in juiciness.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn

Choose your favorite method: grill, boil, or roast the corn until it’s tender and a little caramelized. For grill or oven, brush the cobs with melted butter; if boiling, just drop them right in. Cook for about 10–15 minutes on the grill, 5–7 minutes in boiling water, or 20–25 minutes in the oven at 400°F. Let cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob for the ultimate street corn topping.

Step 4: Make the Street Corn Mixture

Toss the warm corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and that pinch of extra chili powder if you’re feeling spice-loving. Mix everything gently so every kernel is coated, then taste and adjust the seasoning as you like. It’s creamy, zesty, and totally addictive!

Step 5: Cook Fluffy White Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch (this is key for fluffiness!). Combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover tightly and lower to a simmer for 18–20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Let the rice sit off the heat, still covered, for another 5–10 minutes, then fluff it up with a fork.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Start building your Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe with a generous scoop of rice as the base. Pile on savory chunks of chicken, followed by spoonfuls of creamy street corn mixture. Add a hearty scattering of black beans, top with diced avocado, and drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for extra zing. Finish with a wedge of lime, and you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe with plenty of fresh cilantro and an extra sprinkle of cotija cheese. A few slices of avocado and squeezes of lime brighten every bite and make the bowl look restaurant-worthy. If you like a touch of heat, a shake of chili powder or a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving makes it sing.

Side Dishes

This bowl is pretty much an all-in-one feast, but you can make it even more festive with sides like crunchy tortilla chips and fresh salsa, cooling cucumber salad, or a bowl of chilled watermelon. These sides round out the meal and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, set up a DIY bowl bar: serve all the toppings in separate bowls and let everyone build their own Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe. Or, layer everything in mason jars for tasty picnic fare! For weeknights, piling it up in one big serving platter looks impressive and invites everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover components separately when possible, especially the street corn mixture and chicken, to maintain the best texture. Use airtight containers and keep everything in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers a true treat!

Freezing

Both the cooked chicken and rice freeze like a dream! Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for easy meals down the road. Avoid freezing the street corn mixture, as the creamy ingredients can become watery when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water to keep things moist. Warm the black beans in a small saucepan or the microwave. Assemble your bowl fresh and finish with cold toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for that irresistible contrast.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken cuts prep time in half, making the Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe even more weeknight-friendly. Just toss the shredded chicken in the spice mixture and gently reheat before assembling your bowls.

What’s the best substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese works beautifully—both are salty and crumbly, giving a similar finish to the street corn topping. Parmesan or queso fresco are good backups too!

Can this recipe be made gluten free?

It already is! Every ingredient in the Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on the seasonings and any prepackaged items to be safe.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s as mild or as bold as you want. The base recipe is full of flavor without being overpowering, and you can dial up the heat by adding more chili powder or extra hot sauce on top before serving.

Do I have to use fresh corn, or can I use frozen or canned?

Fresh corn gives the best juicy, sweet crunch—especially if you grill it! But frozen corn (thawed and then quickly sautéed in a skillet) works in a pinch, and even canned corn will do. Just make sure to drain it well and give it a quick toss in the pan for some extra roasty flavor.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for summer to enjoy this burst of flavor in a bowl—the Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe is pure joy in every forkful, any time of year. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and watch smiles break out at your dinner table. Trust me, it’ll quickly become one of your most requested meals!