Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—a colorful, flavor-packed meal that brings together everything you love about classic Mexican street corn, tender grilled chicken, hearty rice, and zesty toppings, all in one satisfying bowl. Each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes, from sweet charred corn and juicy chicken to creamy lime crema and crumbly cotija. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep superstar, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl delivers freshness and fun with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients working in harmony to create a bowl that’s vibrant and absolutely irresistible. Every component brings something special, whether it’s smoky flavor, creamy richness, or a welcome pop of color and crunch.

• Cooked Rice: The hearty base that soaks up every delicious flavor—feel free to use white, brown, or even cilantro-lime rice for extra zing.
• Chicken Breasts: Grilled and sliced, they provide juicy protein and a satisfying bite in every bowl.
• Corn Kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned all work—charring them in the skillet adds irresistible sweetness and depth.
• Black Beans: A fiber-rich addition that brings creaminess and a mellow earthiness to the party.
• Red Onion: Adds crunch and a pop of sharpness to contrast the other flavors.
• Tomatoes: Diced and fresh for bursts of color and sweet acidity.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbled on top, it gives a salty, tangy finish that’s classic in street corn.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of green for a burst of freshness and eye-catching color.
• Olive Oil: Just a little is needed to help the corn char beautifully in the skillet.
• Chili Powder: Delivers that smoky, toasty heat we crave in Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that transports you straight to summer cookouts.
• Cumin: Earthy and warm, it rounds out the flavors of the corn and other spices.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the corn and the crema!
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: The creamy base for the zingy lime crema.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and zing for that signature tang in the crema.
• Garlic Powder: A pinch boosts savory depth in the dressing.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Char the Corn

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re just beginning to char—think golden spots and a caramelized aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring well so every kernel gets that amazing smoky-spicy coat. Once done, transfer the corn to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Lime Crema

In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mix is smooth and tangy. Taste and adjust the lime juice to your liking—creamy, cool, and citrusy, this crema is what puts the “street” in Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowl

Here’s where all the magic comes together! Start by adding a scoop of your cooked rice as the foundation. Next, layer on the sliced grilled chicken (warm or chilled, whichever you prefer), followed by generous spoonfuls of charred corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, and a snowy sprinkle of cotija cheese. The colors alone will make you hungry, but wait, there’s one final touch!

Step 4: Drizzle & Garnish

Drizzle that luscious lime crema over the top of each bowl, letting it cascade over the ingredients. Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh cilantro for brightness and a burst of herbal flavor. Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is officially ready to steal the show!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Grab a fork and dig right in while all the flavors are fresh and vibrant. This dish is best served right after assembly, so everything is cool, creamy, and just the right temperature.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this already-gorgeous Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl from “yum” to “wow”—a final dusting of extra cotija, more cilantro, a squeeze of extra lime, or even a few sliced jalapeños brings extra color, texture, and flavor. Don’t overlook a few tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top for a fun crunch!

Side Dishes

While the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is hearty and wholesome all on its own, pairing it with a crisp side salad featuring avocado and red bell pepper, grilled veggies, or homemade guacamole really rounds out the meal. A refreshing agua fresca or limeade seals the deal for a light, sunshine-filled dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving each Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl in a wide, shallow bowl so each topping stands out in bright, beautiful stripes. For parties, set up a “build-your-own” bar where friends and family can customize their bowl with extra toppings, salsas, or hot sauces—everyone loves a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ingredients keep wonderfully if stored separately in airtight containers. Keep the rice, chicken, and veggies/chopped toppings refrigerated for up to three days, and store the crema in its own little jar so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

The chicken and rice both freeze beautifully—cool them completely first, then pack into freezer containers for up to two months. Avoid freezing the crema, raw veggies, and cheese, as their texture can change when thawed. When ready to enjoy, defrost the main components overnight in the fridge and reassemble fresh toppings.

Reheating

If you’re reheating your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, pop the rice and chicken into the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of water until they’re hot and steamy. Reassemble your bowl with cold toppings and crema for the perfect hot-cold contrast that keeps every bite interesting.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of grilling fresh?

Absolutely! The beauty of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is its flexibility. Rotisserie or leftover chicken is a time-saving shortcut that tastes just as delicious—simply slice or shred, then layer into your bowls.

What’s the best way to char corn if I don’t have a skillet?

If a skillet isn’t handy, you can use a grill or even a broiler to quickly char the corn kernels. Just spread them out on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, keeping a close eye so they brown without burning.

Can I make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl vegetarian?

You sure can! Simply skip the chicken and double up on black beans or add grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to keep everything hearty and satisfying.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great alternative with a similar crumbly texture and salty-tangy punch. If you want something milder, try shredded Monterey Jack or even queso fresco.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not particularly, but you can turn up the heat by adding more chili powder, a dash of hot sauce, or extra jalapeños. The beauty of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is that you control just how mild or bold it tastes!

Final Thoughts

If you want dinner to feel like both a celebration and a breeze, give the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a try. It’s endlessly adaptable, eye-catching on the table, and brings a big smile to anyone who dives in. Grab your favorite toppings and make tonight extra delicious!

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