If you love bold, fresh flavors, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect dish! Inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote), this recipe features juicy grilled chicken, roasted corn, creamy sauce, and zesty seasonings, all served over a bed of fluffy rice.
It’s a quick and easy meal that’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a casual get-together. With its combination of spicy, smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors, this rice bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
✔ Bold & Flavorful – Inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote) with smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors.
✔ Hearty & Filling – A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fresh veggies.
✔ Customizable – Easy to adjust with different toppings and spice levels.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy delicious lunches all week!
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Bowl
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Street Corn:
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill Option: Cook on a preheated grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Stovetop Option: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2. Make the Street Corn
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt, then sauté for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred.
Remove from heat and mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl.
3. Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top each bowl with:
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Street corn mixture
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro
4. Garnish & Serve
Drizzle with extra lime juice and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
✅ Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese.
✅ Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
✅ Extra Protein: Add black beans or chopped grilled shrimp.
✅ Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo.
What to Serve with This Chicken Bowl
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:
✔ Tortilla Chips & Guacamole – A great appetizer pairing.
✔ Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice – Adds extra flavor.
✔ Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
✔ Black Bean Salad – A refreshing, protein-packed side.
✔ Homemade Salsa or Pico de Gallo – A fresh topping option.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers:
Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Chicken & Corn: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Rice: Sprinkle with water and microwave to keep it moist.
Freezing?
Not recommended for the sour cream-based corn mixture, but you can freeze grilled chicken and rice for up to 2 months.
More Delicious Chicken Bowl Recipes to Try
If you love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, here are more delicious and easy chicken bowl recipes you’ll enjoy:
🍛 Teriyaki Bowl Recipe – A sweet and savory teriyaki chicken bowl with fresh veggies and rice.
🍲 Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi – Juicy chicken meatballs in a creamy Tuscan sauce, paired with soft gnocchi.
🌭 Chicken Sausage Recipe – A healthier, homemade alternative to traditional sausage, packed with flavor.
🥩 Healthy Chicken Meatloaf Recipe – A lean and protein-packed meatloaf perfect for a nutritious meal.
Try these easy, protein-packed meals and keep your chicken bowl game strong! 🍗🔥 Let me know which one is your favorite! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
What is street corn chicken?
Street corn chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote). It typically features grilled or seasoned chicken topped with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy street corn mixture. The street corn is made with roasted corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices like chili powder. This dish combines smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
What is the red powder they put on street corn?
The red powder commonly sprinkled on street corn is chili powder or Tajín.
Chili powder adds a mild heat and smoky depth.
Tajín is a blend of chili powder, lime, and salt, giving it a tangy, spicy kick.
For extra spice, some people use cayenne pepper or paprika for color and heat variation.
What pairs well with Mexican street corn?
Mexican street corn (Elote) is a versatile side dish that pairs well with:
✔ Grilled Steak, Chicken, or Fish – The smoky flavors complement grilled meats.
✔ Tacos & Burritos – A great addition to Mexican-inspired meals.
✔ Quesadillas – Cheesy, crispy quesadillas contrast the creamy street corn.
✔ Burgers & Hot Dogs – A fun way to add Mexican flavors to classic cookout meals.
✔ BBQ Dishes – The tangy, creamy flavors balance smoky barbecue meats.
What to serve with street corn chicken?
Street corn chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including:
✔ Cilantro Lime Rice – A fresh and zesty rice option.
✔ Black Beans – Adds protein and fiber.
✔ Avocado Salad – A creamy, refreshing contrast.
✔ Tortilla Chips & Guacamole – A crunchy, flavorful side.
✔ Roasted Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus complement the dish well.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 rice bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Final Thoughts
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a fresh dinner, this dish delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavorsin every bite.
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote). Juicy grilled chicken, smoky roasted corn, fluffy rice, and a creamy, zesty sauce come together for a bold and flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a healthy lunch, this recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Street Corn:
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Marinate & Cook the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.- Grill Option: Preheat a grill to medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
- Stovetop Option: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Prepare the Street Corn
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide cooked rice among bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, street corn mixture, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro.Garnish & Serve
Drizzle with extra lime juice and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
✅ Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
✅ Lower-Calorie Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo.
✅ Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and assemble before serving.
✅ Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg