Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – The Best Flavor-Packed Meal You’ll Love

Introduction

The first time I made a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, I was looking for something bold, flavorful, and easy to prepare. I had always loved Mexican street corn (Elote) and thought—why not turn those flavors into a full meal? The result? A creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy bowl packed with grilled chicken, roasted corn, and seasoned rice.

One bite, and I was hooked! The combination of juicy chicken, charred corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a hint of lime made this dish a favorite in my kitchen. Whether you need a quick dinner or a meal-prep option for the week, this bowl has it all. Let’s dive into how you can make the best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl at home!

What Is a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

This dish takes inspiration from Mexican street corn (Elote), which is traditionally served grilled and slathered with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. By combining these flavors with grilled chicken and seasoned rice, we create a hearty, protein-packed meal.

What Makes It Special?

✔️ Bold Mexican flavors – A mix of smoky, creamy, and tangy goodness
✔️ Easy to make – Quick cooking time, perfect for meal prep
✔️ Protein-packed – A balanced meal with chicken, rice, and veggies
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking

Ingredients for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Mexican Street Corn:

• 2 ears of corn (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

For the Rice:

• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices
• Diced jalapeños
• Hot sauce
• Extra cotija cheese

How to Make a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Season & Cook the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and lime juice.
2. Coat the chicken with the seasoning and let it marinate for 10 minutes.

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

1. Grill the corn on a hot skillet or over an open flame until charred.
2. Cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a bowl.
3. Mix the corn with mayo, sour cream, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
4. Stir in chopped cilantro and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Stir in butter, cumin, salt, and cilantro for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

1. Add a base of seasoned rice to your bowl.
2. Layer on sliced grilled chicken.
3. Top with Mexican street corn.
4. Garnish with avocado, jalapeños, extra cheese, or hot sauce.

Best Toppings & Side Pairings

🌮 Flour or Corn Tortillas – Make it into tacos!
🥑 Guacamole or Pico de Gallo – Adds extra freshness.
🔥 Spicy Chipotle Sauce – A smoky kick!
🥗 Side Salad – A light, refreshing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overcooking the chicken – Keep it juicy by letting it rest before slicing.
🚫 Skipping the char on the corn – The smoky flavor is key!
🚫 Not seasoning the rice – Adds depth to the dish.

FAQs About Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store the ingredients separately and assemble when ready.

3. Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level with jalapeños or hot sauce.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

5. What’s the best way to reheat?

Reheat the rice and chicken separately in a pan for the best texture.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with bold Mexican flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making it fresh for dinner, this dish will become a favorite in your kitchen!

Internal Links Used:

• Learn more about grilled chicken techniques
• Discover great ideas like Mexican rice recipes
• Don’t miss our homemade seasoning guide