Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime); 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Optional toppings: diced avocado, jalapeño slices, hot sauce

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Creamy, tangy, and loaded with bold, fresh flavors, this street corn chicken rice bowl is one of my favorite ways to turn everyday ingredients into a vibrant meal. I layer tender, seasoned chicken over fluffy rice, then top it with a Mexican street corn–inspired mixture for a satisfying dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I combine smoky, juicy chicken with creamy, tangy street corn topping for a flavor-packed bite every time.
It’s easy to customize with different vegetables, spice levels, and rice bases.
I can prep the components ahead and assemble bowls when I’m ready to eat.
It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fresh toppings all in one bowl.

Dngredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1 pound
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
Salt and black pepper: to taste
Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime): 4 cups
Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): 2 cups
Mayonnaise: ¼ cup
Sour cream: ¼ cup
Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
Cotija cheese: ½ cup, crumbled
Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
Optional toppings: diced avocado, jalapeño slices, hot sauce

Directions

I preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
I rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
I cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). I transfer to a plate to rest, then slice.
In the same skillet, I heat the corn until lightly charred (if using fresh or thawed frozen corn).
In a bowl, I mix the corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, Cotija cheese, and cilantro to make the street corn topping.
I assemble bowls by adding rice as the base, topping with sliced chicken, then spooning the street corn mixture over the top.
I finish with avocado, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce if I want extra flavor.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: I add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or mix hot sauce into the street corn topping.
Vegetarian: I swap the chicken for grilled zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.
Rice alternative: I serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens.
Dairy-free: I use dairy-free sour cream and vegan cheese alternative.
Extra protein: I top with a fried egg for a breakfast-style rice bowl.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: I store chicken, rice, and corn topping separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: I warm chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add cold or room-temp corn topping.
Avoid freezing: The creamy corn topping doesn’t thaw well, so I freeze only the chicken and rice if needed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

I can — I shred it and season lightly with chili powder and lime juice before adding to the bowls.

Can I make the street corn topping ahead?

Yes, but I keep it chilled and stir again before serving.

What kind of rice works best?

I like cilantro-lime rice for a fresh, zesty base, but plain white or brown rice works too.

How do I char frozen corn?

I thaw it first, then cook in a hot, dry skillet until golden brown in spots.

Can I serve this cold?

Absolutely — it works well as a cold rice salad for lunch meal prep.

Conclusion

I love how this street corn chicken rice bowl brings together smoky chicken, creamy corn, and tangy lime in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep lunches.