Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – A Flavor-Packed, One-Bowl Meal

If you’re looking for a meal that’s full of flavor, textures, and a little zing, this street corn chicken rice bowl is the perfect choice. It combines juicy, seasoned chicken with sweet, charred corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a tangy lime sauce—all served over fluffy rice. Quick to prepare but full of layers, it’s a dish that feels both fresh and satisfying.

Save

Overhead view of a street corn chicken rice bowl with a drizzle of sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the smoky, sweet flavors of street corn with tender chicken and rice.
• The lime, chili, and Cotija cheese create a balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors.
• Highly adaptable—you can add black beans, avocado, or extra cilantro to make it your own.
• Quick and simple to make, yet it feels like a special, thoughtfully layered meal.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep without the extra hassle.

Equipment Needed

• 1 Skillet
• 1 Wooden Cutting Board
• 1 Chef Knife
• 2 Mixing Bowls

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (chicken breasts work too)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (lemon juice is a fine alternative)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (substitute with olive or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp chili powder (paprika can be used for a milder flavor)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping

• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled for the best flavor; frozen is fine)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional for crunch)
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (can be omitted or replaced with extra sour cream)
• ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta/queso fresco)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges for serving

For the Rice and Assembly

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

Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes allows the lime and spices to soak in, keeping each bite juicy and flavorful. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

1. Season and Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each chicken thigh for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or chunks.

3. Prepare the Street Corn Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn, sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix well.

Tip: For a shortcut, sauté frozen corn over medium heat with a splash of water for 5-6 minutes. Let cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.

Side view of sautéed corn for street corn chicken bowl

4. Reheat the Rice

If using leftover rice, add a splash of water and reheat in a microwave or in a pan over low heat until warm and fluffy. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

5. Assemble the Bowls

Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture, extra Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Add a lime wedge on the side for extra zest.

Optional: drizzle extra sour cream and sprinkle with Tajín or chili powder for added flavor.

Overhead view of street corn chicken rice bowl with lime and crema.

Top Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Char the Corn: For deeper flavor, grill or cook the corn in a hot skillet until slightly charred. This adds a smoky taste that complements the creamy toppings.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice in both the chicken marinade and the corn topping brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sour cream and mayo.
• Reheat Rice with Water: Adding a splash of water when reheating rice keeps it fluffy and prevents it from drying out.
• Add Extra Heat: For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the street corn mixture.

Print