Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (grilled, fresh, or thawed frozen); 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sour cream; 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta as an alternative); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (optional)

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, satisfying meal that blends the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. Every bite offers a combination of creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes that make it an irresistible dish for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this bowl captures all the vibrant flavors of elote—Mexican street corn—while still being a wholesome and hearty meal. It’s perfect when I need something quick and satisfying, but still packed with fresh ingredients and bold taste. The smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, creamy dressing, and zippy lime all come together in one beautiful, balanced bowl. It’s also easy to prep ahead and customize for different preferences.

ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Chili powder
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Cooked white or brown rice
Corn kernels (grilled, fresh, or frozen and thawed)
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Cotija cheese (or feta as an alternative)
Fresh cilantro
Lime juice
Jalapeño (optional for heat)
Green onions (optional for garnish)

directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then I grill or pan-cook it until it’s juicy and cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, I grill the corn or heat it in a skillet to get a little char for that classic street corn flavor.
In a small bowl, I mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and a bit of cotija cheese to create the creamy street corn dressing.
I assemble the bowls with a base of warm rice, followed by chopped chicken, grilled corn, a drizzle of the creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, more cotija, and optional jalapeños or green onions.
I like to finish it with a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I swap the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option. Sometimes I use rotisserie chicken to save time. I’ve also tried adding black beans, diced avocado, or a fried egg on top for extra richness. And when I want it spicier, I toss in some hot sauce or chipotle powder.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the creamy dressing separate until I’m ready to serve. When reheating, I microwave the rice and chicken until warm, then add the dressing and fresh toppings like cilantro or lime.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, I often use frozen corn when fresh isn’t available. I just thaw and char it in a skillet to bring out that roasted flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

I substitute the mayo and sour cream with dairy-free versions or use plain plant-based yogurt. It still tastes creamy and delicious.

What kind of rice works best?

I usually go with jasmine or long-grain white rice, but brown rice or even cilantro lime rice work great too.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a pan?

Absolutely. Grilling the chicken adds more smoky flavor and pairs perfectly with the street corn.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy as-is, but I can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s just as fun to eat as it is to make. I love how easily it comes together and how versatile it is depending on my mood or what I have on hand. It’s a go-to in my kitchen for a fresh, bold, and nourishing meal.