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A close-up of a delicious chicken and corn bowl with grilled chicken pieces over rice, garnished with cheese, cilantro, and lime.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn together with seasoned chicken and fluffy rice for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal. It's packed with zesty, creamy, and spicy notes in every bite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Street Corn
  • 2 cups frozen corn thawed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese crumbled (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (plus more for garnish)
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Rice
  • 2 cups cooked white rice warm (prepare according to package directions)
For Assembly/Toppings
  • 1 avocado sliced or diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Grill Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Street Corn
  1. In the same skillet (or a clean one if desired), add 1 tbsp olive oil and the thawed corn. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and heated through.
  2. Remove the corn from heat. Transfer it to a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide the warm cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls.
  2. Arrange the cooked chicken next to the rice in each bowl.
  3. Spoon a generous portion of the street corn mixture into each bowl.
  4. Garnish each bowl with sliced or diced avocado, extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a dash of chili powder. Serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side, if desired.

Notes

For meal prep, store chicken, corn, and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat components and assemble just before serving.
Feel free to use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch more cayenne to the corn or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.