Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
When cravings call for something hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor, a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe always hits the spot. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food, this recipe combines juicy grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice into a bowl that feels both comforting and fresh. Each bite brings together smoky charred corn, tangy lime, creamy cotija cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken—all in one satisfying meal.
Street corn, also known as elote, is a classic street food often served on the cob, coated with a mix of mayonnaise, cheese, chili, and lime. By transforming it into a bowl and pairing it with chicken and rice, you get a balanced meal that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. What makes this recipe even better is its versatility—you can tweak it to suit your dietary preferences while still keeping all the bold flavors intact.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients along with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 lb (450 g) | 748 kcal |
| Cooked rice (white or brown) | 2 cups | 410 kcal |
| Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) | 2 cups | 310 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tbsp | 300 kcal |
| Cotija cheese (crumbled) | ½ cup | 210 kcal |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tbsp | 8 kcal |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 4 kcal |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken – Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F). Slice into strips.
- Cook the corn – In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook corn kernels until lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes.
- Make the street corn mix – In a bowl, combine charred corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Mix well until creamy.
- Assemble the bowls – Divide cooked rice into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of street corn mix, and extra cotija.
- Finish and garnish – Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and squeeze more lime juice if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Rice alternatives: Use cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Protein swaps: Replace chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu for variety.
- Cheese options: If cotija isn’t available, feta cheese makes a great substitute.
- Spice level: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or smoked paprika for extra heat.
- Meal prep tip: Store rice, chicken, and street corn separately to keep flavors fresh when reheating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 638 kcal |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Add avocado slices or guacamole for creamy richness.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips for crunch.
- Top with pickled onions or jalapeños for tang and spice.
- Pair with a light side salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a sparkling lime water or a chilled agua fresca for refreshing balance.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
Course: Recipes4
servings15
minutes20
minutes638
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
3 tbsp mayonnaise
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta substitute)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the chicken – Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F), then slice into strips.
- Char the corn – Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet, add corn kernels, and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly charred.
- Make the street corn mix – In a bowl, combine charred corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder. Stir until creamy.
- Assemble the bowls – Divide cooked rice into 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of street corn mix.
- Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with cilantro, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and enjoy warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning—it helps achieve a golden, flavorful crust when cooking.
If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry first to get that perfect char in the skillet.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This bowl is great for meal prep. Store the chicken, rice, and street corn mixture in separate containers. Assemble when ready to eat to keep flavors fresh.
2. What type of rice works best?
You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Jasmine or basmati rice adds extra aroma and fluffiness.
3. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen corn works just as well—just thaw before cooking and sauté until lightly charred for that smoky street corn flavor.
4. What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese or Parmesan makes an excellent substitute if Cotija isn’t available. Both add the salty, tangy flavor that pairs well with the corn and chicken.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mildly spiced, but you can adjust to your preference. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder if you like it hotter.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious way to bring bold, street-food-inspired flavors into a wholesome meal. Packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of zest, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend family dinners, or even meal prepping ahead of time. By customizing the protein, spice, or carb base, you can make this recipe fit your lifestyle while keeping it fun and satisfying. One bite of smoky corn, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese, and you’ll see why this dish deserves a spot on your weekly menu.
