Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with texture, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect dish to try. Inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, elote, this bowl combines juicy grilled chicken, tender rice, and sweet corn, all brought together by a creamy, tangy sauce. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and a comforting texture that will leave you coming back for more.

This bowl is not only incredibly satisfying, but it’s also versatile—whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. The street corn-inspired ingredients offer a fun twist, and the addition of grilled chicken makes this bowl hearty enough to serve as a main course. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Loaded with Flavor

This bowl features a balance of creamy, tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors, creating a combination that will excite your taste buds.

2. Easy to Make

With only a few simple ingredients and a short prep time, this meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or casual weekends.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the toppings and fillings based on your personal preferences. Add extra veggies, swap out the chicken for beef or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat.

4. A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a small get-together, this bowl is sure to be a hit with everyone. The familiar flavors of street corn and grilled chicken make it approachable and satisfying for all.

5. Comforting Yet Light

This dish has a comforting, filling feel due to the rice and chicken, but the fresh lime, cilantro, and tangy sauce keep it light and refreshing.

Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Grilled chicken, diced
• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with black beans, roasted vegetables, or grilled tofu for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Option: Add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor.
• Corn Variations: If fresh or frozen corn is unavailable, canned corn will work just as well. For a smoky twist, try using grilled corn on the cob.

How to Make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

In a large skillet, sauté the corn kernels over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly charred. This step adds a smoky flavor to the corn, reminiscent of the popular street corn.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This creamy sauce will coat the corn, rice, and chicken, adding a rich, tangy flavor to the bowl.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

While the corn is cooking, grill or pan-cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In a large mixing bowl, layer the cooked rice, grilled chicken, sautéed corn, and sauce. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro over the top of the bowl. Squeeze a lime wedge over the dish for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the street corn chicken rice bowl warm, with extra lime wedges on the side for added freshness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grilling the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lime juice, olive oil, and chili powder for an hour before grilling.
• Corn Variations: If you have access to fresh corn, grilling the corn before cutting it off the cob can give it a beautiful smoky flavor.
• Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of chili powder in the sauce. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Rice Substitutes: Feel free to swap out the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a different base.

How to Serve

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl can be served as a hearty, standalone meal or as part of a larger spread with additional sides. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips. It also works well as a meal prep option—just keep the components in separate containers and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store each component (rice, chicken, corn, and sauce) in separate airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Although the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and corn mixture (without the rice and sauce). To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the microwave or on the stove. Fresh rice and sauce can be prepared on the day you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the rice, chicken, and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or a little more lime juice to help moisten it. Once heated, add the sauce, cotija cheese, and cilantro just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of cotija?

Yes, feta cheese or Parmesan can be used as a substitute if cotija is not available.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice, chicken, and corn in advance. Store them separately and assemble the bowl just before serving to keep everything fresh.

3. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works just as well. Sauté it in a pan until slightly charred to bring out its flavor.

4. Can I substitute the chicken with beef or shrimp?

Yes, feel free to use grilled beef strips, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein option.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild level of spice due to the chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating jalapeños for extra heat.

6. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will add a creamy texture with a bit of tang.

7. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add black beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or squash for a vegetarian version.

8. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.

9. What else can I add to this bowl?

Feel free to add diced avocado, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and texture.

10. Can I make this bowl spicy?

Yes! If you like your food with a kick, increase the chili powder or add some finely chopped jalapeños to the dish.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with tender grilled chicken and fluffy rice for a dish that is both satisfying and exciting. With its creamy sauce, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime, this recipe offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress guests, this bowl delivers in both taste and simplicity. Try it today and bring a little bit of street food magic to your kitchen!

Print