Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Sizzling Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for Fiesta Lovers

Whipping up a delightful street corn chicken rice bowl brings vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen.

corn kernels dance with zesty spices, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Bright lime zest and creamy elements add unexpected layers of excitement to each forkful.

Grilled notes hint at summer street food memories, making this dish more than just a simple meal.

Mexicans know how to celebrate bold ingredients, and you’ll experience that spirit in every single bite.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of delicious, uncomplicated comfort.

Reasons To Love The Mexican Street Corn Bowl

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different palates and nutrition goals.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty Mexican-inspired tastes, this bowl combines grilled chicken, charred corn, and creamy dressing that'll wow everyone at the dinner table.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare components simultaneously to streamline cooking, reducing overall preparation time and delivering a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
  • One-Bowl Nutrition Powerhouse: Balanced with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vegetables, this dish offers a complete and satisfying meal in a single serving.

All Ingredients For Mexican Street Corn Bowl Magic

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish and absorbs the marinade flavors.
Rice Base:
  • White Rice: A fluffy and light foundation that serves as the base of the Mexican street corn bowl.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Spices: A combination that tenderizes the chicken and adds vibrant, zesty flavors to the dish.
Corn Mixture:
  • Corn, Butter, Mayonnaise, Cheese: A creamy and charred corn blend that brings the classic Mexican street corn style to the bowl.
Dressing:
  • Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, Spices: A tangy and creamy sauce that adds richness and complements the other ingredients.
Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Lime: Fresh herbs and a citrus accent that brighten the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Steps To Build A Mexican Street Corn Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

Whisk together fragrant olive oil, zesty spices, and tangy lime juice.

Generously coat the chicken, ensuring every inch is covered.

Let the flavors meld for 15-60 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Cook Fluffy Rice

Simmer rice in water or broth until perfectly tender.

Once cooked, stir in a splash of bright lime juice to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Grill Juicy Chicken

Fire up the grill to medium-high heat.

Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing to lock in those delicious juices.

Step 4: Create Creamy Charred Corn

  • Butter
  • Fresh corn
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cotija or queso fresco
  • Lime juice
  • Chili powder
  • Salt

Heat butter in a skillet and cook corn until beautifully charred.

Mix in creamy mayonnaise, crumbly cheese, zesty lime juice, and spicy seasonings for an explosion of flavor.

Step 5: Whip Up Dreamy Dressing

Blend smooth sour cream, rich mayonnaise, bright lime juice, and a sprinkle of aromatic spices until silky and well combined.

Step 6: Build Your Flavor-Packed Bowl

Layer fluffy rice as the base, top with sliced grilled chicken, and generously spoon the creamy corn mixture over the top.

Drizzle with the tangy dressing and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Tips For Making Mexican Street Corn Bowl Stand Out

  • Let chicken sit in the marinade for the full 60 minutes to ensure deep, zesty flavor penetration.
  • Use chicken broth instead of water for richer taste and fluff rice with a fork after cooking to prevent clumping.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee 165F internal temperature and let chicken rest 3-5 minutes to retain juiciness.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to get those beautiful caramelized marks without burning the kernels.
  • Adjust dressing thickness by adding more sour cream for creaminess or lime juice for tanginess.

Unique Twists For Mexican Street Corn Bowl Flavor

  • Vegetarian Street Corn Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or black beans, seasoned with same spices for protein-packed alternative.
  • Seafood Fusion Bowl: Swap chicken for shrimp or grilled fish, maintaining Mexican-inspired seasonings and corn mixture.
  • Cauliflower Rice Version: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb, gluten-free option that keeps similar flavor profile.
  • Vegan Street Corn Bowl: Use plant-based mayo, dairy-free cheese, and substitute chicken with roasted jackfruit or tempeh for complete vegan transformation.

Creative Ways To Serve Mexican Street Corn Bowl

  • Fiesta Bowl Party: Arrange the Mexican Street Corn Bowl in a vibrant, colorful serving platter to highlight the dish's appetizing components.
  • Taco Night Twist: Transform this recipe into a build-your-own bowl station where guests can customize their servings with extra toppings like diced avocado or jalapeños.
  • Fresh Side Companions: Pair the bowl with crisp tortilla chips, a small side of fresh salsa, or a light Mexican-style coleslaw to complement the rich flavors.
  • Refreshing Drink Pairing: Serve alongside a cold Mexican beer, fresh lime margarita, or tangy agua fresca to balance the creamy and spicy elements of the dish.

Storage Solutions For Mexican Street Corn Bowl Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken, rice, corn, and dressing to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual components in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and rice can freeze up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dressed corn or sour cream sauce.
  • Warm rice and chicken separately at 50% power, stirring midway. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat corn mixture gently to maintain texture.
  • Revive chicken and rice in skillet with small amount of broth. Stir continuously on medium-low heat. Add fresh cilantro after reheating to boost flavor.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw and pat dry before charring in a skillet. Fresh corn will give the best flavor and texture, but frozen works in a pinch.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook the chicken in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches the correct internal temperature.

Print
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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican street corn meets comforting chicken rice in this flavor-packed bowl. Zesty lime, smoky spices, and creamy cotija cheese create an irresistible blend you’ll crave on busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Base:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water or broth

Corn and Seasoning Components:

  • 2 cups corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for dressing)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken with a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, spices, and lime juice. Thoroughly coat chicken and let it absorb flavors for 15-60 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Prepare rice in water or broth until perfectly tender, approximately 15-20 minutes for white rice. Incorporate lime juice to enhance flavor profile.
  3. Heat grill to medium-high and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing to retain moisture.
  4. Char corn kernels with butter until golden and caramelized. Blend with creamy mayo, crumbled cheese, tangy lime juice, and complementary seasonings.
  5. Create a velvety dressing by whisking sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and aromatic spices until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  6. Construct bowl by layering fluffy rice as foundation, arrange sliced grilled chicken, generously spoon corn mixture over top. Drizzle signature dressing and garnish with fresh cilantro and zesty lime wedges for vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Boost protein by adding black beans or grilled shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Swap dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like coconut yogurt and plant-based mayo for a dairy-free version.
  • Maximize marinade absorption by scoring chicken breasts lightly before seasoning to help spices penetrate deeper.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños to suit personal spice preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (or up to 60 minutes)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 384 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 295 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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