Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: Your New Go-To Meal!

Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture? Look no further than this incredible Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Inspired by the vibrant flavors of classic Mexican street corn (elote), this bowl combines tender, seasoned chicken with grilled corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a zesty lime-infused sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying, customizable, and surprisingly simple dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation:

• All-in-One Delight: It perfectly blends the tangy, spicy, and creamy elements of street corn with juicy chicken and hearty rice, creating a complete and balanced meal in one bowl.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh lime, smoky chili powder, and salty Cotija cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will excite your taste buds.
• Endlessly Customizable: Whether you want to add avocado, black beans, extra cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce, this bowl is a blank canvas for your favorite toppings.
• Quick & Easy: Despite its gourmet feel, this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to pull together, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It’s fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts for a leaner option)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil, vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for smoky depth)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder (for earthy notes)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced fresh garlic cloves)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled if possible for smoky flavor; fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for a slight crunch)
• 1 cup sour cream (half for the mix, half for drizzling) (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (can be omitted or use extra sour cream)
• ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for garnish) (or feta, queso fresco)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (for flavor in the corn mixture)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for extra zest)

For the Rice and Assembly

• 3 cups cooked Jasmine rice (or white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional, or parsley, green onions)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create your delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl? Follow these simple steps:

1. Season & Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, tossing to coat them evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 15-30 minutes to infuse maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into chunks or strips.
3. Prepare the Street Corn Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn (or sautéed frozen corn), thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Mix everything well until combined.
4. Prepare the Rice: If using cold or leftover jasmine rice, add a splash of water and reheat it in the microwave or in a pan over low heat until it’s warm and fluffy. Stir occasionally for even reheating.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of warm rice in each bowl. Top with the sliced chicken, a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture, extra crumbled Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Place a lime wedge on the side for added zest.
6. Serve: Serve warm, and for an extra flourish, drizzle with the remaining sour cream and sprinkle with Tajín or extra chili powder. A final squeeze of lime before eating truly elevates the flavors!

You Must Know

• Grilled Corn vs. Frozen: While grilled corn adds a fantastic smoky flavor, frozen sweet corn is a perfectly acceptable and quick alternative. Simply sauté it in a pan with a splash of water until warmed through.
• Marinating Time: Don’t skip the chicken marinade! Even 15-30 minutes makes a big difference in the tenderness and flavor of the chicken.
• Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese is a key ingredient for authentic street corn flavor. If unavailable, feta or queso fresco can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is fantastic for meal prepping!

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The street corn topping can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked rice can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Storage: Store leftover components (chicken, corn mixture, rice) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reheat the corn mixture gently or enjoy it chilled. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Seasonal Variations

This recipe is naturally perfect for summer when corn is fresh and abundant, but it can be enjoyed year-round:

• Summer: Take advantage of fresh corn on the cob! Grill it directly on the cob for beautiful char marks before cutting off the kernels.
• Fall/Winter: Use high-quality frozen sweet corn. You can still achieve a “charred” effect by sautéing it in a hot skillet with a little oil until some kernels begin to brown.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with these serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette would be a refreshing accompaniment.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for scooping up any extra corn mixture or for added crunch.
• Black Beans: A small side of seasoned black beans can add extra protein and fiber.

No-Bake Alternative

While the chicken is cooked in a skillet, you can create a “no-bake” version of this bowl by using rotisserie chicken! Simply shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and toss it with the lime juice, chili powder, and cumin powder before assembling your bowls.

Pro Tips

• Char the Corn: For that authentic street corn flavor, grill or cook your corn in a hot skillet until it gets slightly charred. This adds a fantastic smoky depth.
• Fresh Lime is Key: Always use fresh lime juice in both the chicken marinade and the street corn topping. It truly brightens the dish and balances the richness.
• Reheat Rice with Water: When reheating cooked rice, add a small splash of water to the container or pan. This helps keep it fluffy and prevents it from drying out.
• Adjust the Heat: Love spice? Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the street corn topping for an extra kick. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or sriracha at the end is also a great option!
• Extra Topping Ideas:
  • Diced Avocado or Guacamole: Adds creaminess and rich flavor.
  • Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for brightness.
  • Sliced Radishes: For a mild peppery crunch.
  • Shredded Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Sliced Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have Cotija cheese? A: Feta cheese or queso fresco are good substitutes, though they will have a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q: How can I make this vegetarian? A: Omit the chicken and double up on black beans, or use a plant-based protein like seasoned grilled tofu or tempeh.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! See the “Make Ahead and Storage” section for detailed tips on preparing components in advance.

If you make this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment or a recipe rating below—I always enjoy hearing from you and try to respond to everyone. And if you take a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram! I love seeing how your dishes turn out.

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