Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe: Flavorful, Fresh, and Comforting
Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe take the bold, vibrant flavors of classic Mexican street corn and transform them into a wholesome, satisfying meal. Tender, juicy chicken pairs with sweet grilled corn, creamy cheese, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a dish that’s both colorful and bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly smoky notes, making it a crowd-pleaser for lunch or dinner.
This recipe captures the essence of street food but in a convenient, bowl-style format that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. The combination of protein, grains, and vegetables makes it not only indulgent but also nutritionally balanced. Quick to assemble and fully customizable, street corn chicken bowls bring freshness, richness, and excitement to any meal while allowing you to tweak ingredients to suit your tastes.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients serve approximately 4 people. Calorie counts are estimated per serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, cooked and sliced | 1 lb | 520 kcal |
| Cooked rice or quinoa | 2 cups | 430 kcal |
| Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled) | 1 cup | 130 kcal |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup | 30 kcal |
| Avocado, diced | 1 medium | 240 kcal |
| Red onion, diced | ½ medium | 20 kcal |
| Cilantro, chopped | 2 tablespoons | 2 kcal |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons | 5 kcal |
| Cotija cheese or feta | ¼ cup | 100 kcal |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons | 200 kcal |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon | 8 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the base
Prepare rice or quinoa according to package instructions and divide evenly into 4 bowls. - Prepare the chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder. Grill, sauté, or bake until fully cooked. Slice into strips and set aside. - Prepare street corn topping
If using fresh corn, grill or sauté kernels with a small amount of butter or oil. Mix with mayonnaise, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice for the classic street corn flavor. - Assemble the bowls
Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Add sliced chicken, street corn mixture, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. - Finish with lime
Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl for extra brightness. Serve immediately.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or grilled steak instead of chicken.
- Grain options: Substitute rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice or couscous.
- Spice level: Add extra chili powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce for more heat.
- Cheese alternatives: Use feta, queso fresco, or omit cheese for a lighter version.
- Make it meal-prep friendly: Store components separately and assemble bowls when ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550–600 kcal |
| Protein | 35–40 g |
| Fat | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–50 g |
| Fiber | 8–10 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (varies with cheese and seasoning) |
This dish provides a well-rounded mix of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats from avocado and cheese, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
Street corn chicken bowls are perfect as a standalone meal. Pair them with tortilla chips, salsa, or a simple green salad for extra freshness. They can also be served with a side of roasted vegetables or black beans for a more substantial feast. A cold beverage like iced tea, sparkling water, or a light beer complements the bold flavors beautifully.
Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe: Flavorful, Fresh, and Comforting
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes550-600
kcalIngredients
1 lb chicken breast, cooked and sliced
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium avocado, diced
½ medium red onion, diced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
¼ cup Cotija cheese or feta
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the base – Prepare rice or quinoa and divide evenly into 4 bowls.
- Cook chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder. Grill, sauté, or bake until fully cooked. Slice into strips.
- Prepare street corn topping – Sauté corn if needed. Mix with mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Assemble bowls – Layer rice/quinoa, chicken, street corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Garnish – Sprinkle with Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Drizzle lime juice over the top. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Assemble bowls just before serving to keep avocado and fresh vegetables from becoming soggy.
Grilled or roasted corn adds a smoky, authentic street-corn flavor.
Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian or protein variation.
FAQs
1. Can I make street corn chicken bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the components in advance—rice, chicken, corn, and toppings—but it’s best to assemble the bowls just before serving to keep avocado and other fresh ingredients from getting soggy.
2. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly. Sauté it in a pan with a bit of oil or butter, then mix with mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice for that classic street corn flavor.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version. You can also use black beans for added protein.
4. Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Swap rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice or a bed of greens to reduce carbs while keeping it filling and flavorful.
5. How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has mild heat from chili powder, but you can adjust the spice level by adding extra chili, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
Street corn chicken bowls deliver the vibrant, smoky, and creamy flavors of Mexican street corn in a convenient, wholesome bowl. Easy to prepare, fully customizable, and packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it transforms everyday ingredients into a colorful, satisfying, and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
