Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

this RECIPE

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings together smoky grilled chicken, creamy and tangy Mexican-style street corn, and fluffy rice. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!

If you love Mexican street corn (elote), this chicken rice bowl is a game-changer. Grilled chicken adds a smoky touch, while creamy, spiced corn brings a delicious balance of heat, limey tang, and cheesiness. Served over rice and finished with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this bowl is comforting, filling, and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
• ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
• Extra lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

2. Make the Street Corn

• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add corn kernels and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred.
• Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime juice.
• Cook for another 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Bowl

• In each serving bowl, add a portion of cooked rice.
• Top with sliced grilled chicken and street corn mixture.

4. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
• Serve with extra lime wedges for a fresh, zesty kick!

Notes

• Prefer a smoky kick? Add a pinch of chipotle powder to the street corn for extra depth.
• Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different variation.
• Make it spicier: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Bowl, Healthy Meal
• Method: Grilling & Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free
• Keywords: Street Corn Chicken Bowl, Mexican Rice Bowl, Grilled Chicken Bowl, Elote Rice Bowl

Equipment Needed

• Grill pan or skillet
• Skillet for corn
• Cutting board & knife
• Mixing bowls

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: ~42g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~15g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sodium: ~650mg

Helpful Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

1. Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing – After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices and keep it tender.
2. Use Fresh Corn for Maximum Flavor – If using fresh corn, grill it whole before cutting the kernels off for a smoky, charred taste.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Charring Corn – If cooking frozen or canned corn, spread it out in a single layer and let it sit for a minute before stirring. This helps develop a nice charred flavor.
4. Make It a Meal Prep Staple – Store chicken, corn, and rice separately, then assemble fresh before eating for the best texture.
5. Want a Creamier Street Corn Mix? – Add extra mayonnaise or a splash of heavy cream for a richer consistency.
6. Toast the Rice for Extra Flavor – Before cooking, toast the uncooked rice in a teaspoon of olive oil for a few minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
7. Prefer a Crunchy Topping? – Add crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas for extra texture.
8. Make It Spicier – Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or extra chili powder for more heat.
9. Substituting Cotija Cheese? – If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a great substitute with a similar salty, tangy kick.
10. Brighten It Up with More Lime! – A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving enhances all the flavors.

Conservation and Storage for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Refrigeration (Up to 4 Days)

• Store each component separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness:
  • Grilled chicken (sliced)
  • Street corn mixture
  • Cooked rice
  • Toppings (cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges) in a small container
• Reheating Tip:
  • Warm chicken, rice, and street corn separately in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.
  • Add fresh cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice after reheating for the best texture.

Freezing (Up to 3 Months)

• Freeze separately for best results:
  Chicken and rice: Freeze in portions in airtight containers or freezer bags.
  Do NOT freeze the street corn mixture (the mayo and sour cream won’t thaw well).
• Thawing & Reheating:
  • Thaw chicken and rice overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
  • Reheat rice with a splash of water to keep it fluffy.
  • Prepare fresh street corn mix before serving.

What NOT to Do

Do not freeze the fully assembled bowl – The mayo-based corn mixture will separate and become watery.
Avoid microwaving cotija cheese – It melts unevenly. Always add it fresh after reheating.
Don’t store wet and dry ingredients together – Keep lime wedges, cheese, and cilantro separate to maintain texture.

Substitutions and Variations

• No Cotija? Use feta cheese or Parmesan.
• Swap White Rice for Quinoa – For a protein-packed option.
• Make It Low-Carb – Serve over cauliflower rice instead.
• Add Extra Veggies – Toss in avocado, tomatoes, or black beans for more color & texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Shred rotisserie chicken and toss it in smoked paprika before serving.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or black beans.

How do I get a smoky flavor without grilling?

Use a cast-iron skillet and cook over medium-high heat until lightly charred.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors! Whether you’re meal-prepping, making a quick dinner, or just craving Mexican street food flavors, this bowl is fresh, filling, and satisfying.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! For more bowl recipes, check out Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Bowl or Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowl.

Enjoy!

Print