Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty, and flavor-packed meal, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is exactly what you need! Inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote), this dish combines juicy, marinated chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a touch of spice.
Not only is this meal easy to make, but it’s also versatile and customizable—perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even a quick lunch. Whether you love bold flavors or prefer a lighter version, this bowl can be adjusted to fit any preference.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Bold & Authentic Flavors – Combines Mexican-inspired spices with creamy, tangy, and smoky street corn.
- Easy & Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Nutritious & Balanced – Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Customizable – Can be made low-carb, dairy-free, or vegetarian.
Want more quick and healthy meals? Try this Ground Turkey Minestrone Soup for a protein-packed and veggie-filled dinner!
Ingredients
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the Rice and Toppings1 cup cooked white or brown rice1 avocado, sliced¼ cup pickled red onions1 jalapeño, sliced1 tablespoon hot sauce or salsa
- For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Street Corn Mix
- 1 ½ cups sweet corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Cotija or feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Tajín or chili powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- For the Rice and Toppings
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup pickled red onions
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce or salsa
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the Street Corn Mix
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add corn kernels and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and mix with mayonnaise, cheese, lime juice, Tajín, and cilantro.
- Cook the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water.
- In a pot, bring 2 cups of water, salt, and olive oil to a boil.
- Add the rice, cover, and reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 15 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice) until tender.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Assemble the Bowl
- Start with a scoop of rice in a bowl.
- Add sliced grilled chicken and street corn mix.
- Top with avocado slices, pickled onions, jalapeños, and hot sauce.
- Garnish with extra Cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
✔ Reheating: Warm up in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
✔ Customizable: Swap out ingredients for low-carb, vegan, or dairy-free options.
Needed for a Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The key to making the best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s everything you need to get started:
Essential Ingredients for the Chicken
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – Boneless, skinless, and marinated for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil – Helps lock in moisture when cooking.
- Lime Juice – Adds freshness and tang to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder – Essential for a bold, savory taste.
- Chili Powder – Brings a mild heat that complements the street corn.
- Cumin & Smoked Paprika – Gives a warm, smoky depth of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – To season the chicken perfectly.
Key Ingredients for the Street Corn
- Sweet Corn Kernels – Fresh or frozen, charred for a smoky taste.
- Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt – Provides a creamy base for the street corn.
- Cotija or Feta Cheese – Adds a salty, tangy kick.
- Fresh Cilantro – A must for authentic street corn flavor.
- Lime Juice & Zest – Enhances the zesty, fresh taste.
- Tajin or Chili Powder – For that classic Mexican street corn spice.
Rice and Toppings for the Best Flavor
- Cooked White or Brown Rice – The base of the bowl, light and fluffy.
- Avocado Slices – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Jalapeño Slices – For an extra kick of spice.
- Pickled Red Onions – Provides a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa – To enhance the heat and flavor.
Now that we have all the essential ingredients covered, it’s time to start cooking! In Part 3, we’ll go step by step to make the perfectly cooked chicken, smoky street corn, and fluffy rice for your bowl.
Stay tuned for the cooking instructions!
Want to explore more creative rice dishes? Check out this Fish Baked Rice Recipe for another delicious rice-based meal!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
1. Preparing the Juicy Chicken
The secret to flavorful and tender chicken is marination. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients for Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, and spices to create the marinade.
- Coat the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15–20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
2. Making the Street Corn Mix
Authentic Mexican street corn (Elote) has a rich, creamy, and smoky flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Tajín or chili powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the corn kernels and cook for 3–5 minutes until they’re slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and mix with mayonnaise, cheese, lime juice, Tajín, and cilantro.
- Stir well until evenly coated and set aside.
3. Cooking the Rice to Perfection
A great rice bowl starts with fluffy, well-cooked rice. Here’s how to do it right:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a pot, bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil.
- Add the rice, cover, and reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 15 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice) until tender.
- Fluff with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Assembling the Bowl
Now for the fun part—putting it all together!
- Start with a generous scoop of rice in the bowl.
- Add sliced chicken on one side.
- Spoon the creamy street corn mix next to the chicken.
- Top with avocado slices, pickled onions, jalapeños, and hot sauce.
- Garnish with extra Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to enjoy!
Best Seasonings and Marinades for Extra Flavor
Want to elevate the flavors even more? Here are the best ways to make your bowl taste even better:
Classic Mexican Spices to Use
To get authentic street food flavors, use these key spices:
✔ Chili Powder – Adds mild heat and depth.
✔ Cumin – Brings an earthy, warm flavor.
✔ Smoked Paprika – Enhances smokiness.
✔ Garlic Powder – Essential for bold taste.
✔ Oregano – Gives a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make a Flavorful Chicken Marinade
For extra moist and tender chicken, try this simple marinade:
✔ ¼ cup olive oil
✔ 2 tablespoons lime juice
✔ 1 teaspoon honey
✔ 1 teaspoon cumin
✔ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✔ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
Marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best results!
The Secret to the Best Street Corn Dressing
The creamy dressing is what makes street corn so addictive. To enhance the flavors, mix:
✔ ¼ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
✔ 1 teaspoon lime juice
✔ 1 teaspoon chili powder
✔ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✔ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
✔ 1 tablespoon crumbled Cotija cheese
Drizzle over your bowl for a creamy, tangy, and smoky finish!
Now that we’ve perfected the seasoning and marinades, next, we’ll explore customization ideas to make your bowl fit any diet or preference!
Would you like additional seasoning options or spice level modifications? Let me know!
Customization Ideas – Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, extra protein, or a vegan alternative, here are ways to customize your bowl to fit your needs.
1. Low-Carb and Keto Options
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, simply swap out a few ingredients to keep the flavors intact without the extra carbs.
Substitutions:
✔ Cauliflower Rice instead of white rice
✔ Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the street corn mix
✔ Avocado oil instead of butter for sautéing
✔ More avocado and cheese for extra healthy fats
2. Adding Extra Protein: Beef, Shrimp, or Tofu
Want more variety? Switch up the protein in your bowl with these delicious options:
✔ Grilled Shrimp – Marinate with lime juice, cumin, and chili powder, then grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
✔ Carne Asada (Steak) – Slice into strips and cook over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
✔ Crispy Tofu (Vegan Option) – Press tofu, cut into cubes, coat with spices, and air-fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
3. Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternatives
This recipe can easily be made vegan and dairy-free with a few simple swaps:
✔ Use grilled tofu or jackfruit instead of chicken
✔ Dairy-free mayo or cashew cream for the street corn mix
✔ Nutritional yeast or vegan feta in place of Cotija cheese
✔ Coconut yogurt for a creamy, tangy topping
These simple adjustments allow you to enjoy the same bold flavors, no matter your dietary preferences!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
To complete your meal, pair your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with these tasty sides and drinks.
1. What to Serve with Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Want to turn this into a full Mexican-inspired feast? Add these delicious side dishes:
✔ Mexican Black Beans – Cook with cumin, garlic, and lime for a smoky, protein-packed side.
✔ Grilled Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add a healthy touch.
✔ Homemade Tortilla Chips – Perfect for scooping up extra street corn.
2. Perfect Drink Pairings
Pair this meal with a refreshing beverage to enhance the flavors:
✔ Classic Margaritas – Lime, tequila, and a salt rim bring the fiesta vibes!
✔ Agua Fresca – Try watermelon or cucumber-lime for a non-alcoholic option.
✔ Iced Hibiscus Tea – A slightly tart, floral drink that balances the richness of the bowl.
3. Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
✔ Store chicken, rice, and corn separately to keep them fresh.
✔ Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
✔ Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
✔ Assemble fresh before serving for the best flavor.
These tips ensure your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl stays delicious all week!
Health Benefits of This Dish
Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients! Here’s why you should add it to your meal rotation.
Ingredient Benefits
Chicken High in lean protein, supports muscle growth
Corn Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Rice Provides sustained energy from healthy carbs
Avocado Packed with heart-healthy fats and vitamins
Cilantro & Lime Helps digestion and adds vitamin C
2. High-Protein and Balanced Meal Benefits
✔ Keeps you full longer
✔ Great post-workout meal
✔ Balances healthy fats, carbs, and protein
3. Why Street Corn is a Great Addition
Did you know street corn is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants? It helps boost digestion and supports heart health while adding amazing flavor and texture to your bowl.
By including a mix of whole ingredients, lean protein, and healthy fats, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious!
FAQs (People Also Ask Section)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can meal prep the ingredients separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep chicken, rice, and street corn in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. How can I make it spicier?
✔ Add extra jalapeños or Serrano peppers
✔ Drizzle with hot sauce
✔ Sprinkle more chili powder or Tajín
4. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and sauté in a pan to bring out the smoky flavor.
5. What’s the best type of rice to use?
Jasmine or basmati rice for a fluffy texture, or brown rice for extra fiber.
6. How can I make it healthier?
✔ Swap white rice for quinoa
✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the street corn mix
✔ Add extra veggies for fiber and nutrients
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, easy meals, and healthy eating. With perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy street corn, and fluffy rice, this dish is:
✔ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Customizable – Fits any diet (low-carb, keto, vegan-friendly)
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and enjoy all week
Give this recipe a try and experiment with different flavors to make it your own!
Let me know in the comments – what’s your favorite way to enjoy street corn?