Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Bright, satisfying, and full of summer flavors, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like an instant fiesta. Juicy marinated chicken thighs, sweet corn tossed in creamy sauce, fluffy rice, bright lime, and crumbles of tangy cotija—this bowl brings together all the elements of Mexican street corn (elote) in a way that’s easy enough for any night, but festive enough for friends and family. It’s colorful, deeply flavorful, and so simple to make at home. If you’re craving fresh, bold flavors and quick comfort in a bowl, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is going to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl plays an important role, from the smoky spices to the creamy cotija cheese. These simple, easy-to-find staples are transformed into a truly satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, thighs stay tender and soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Lime juice: Brightens the marinade and brings a fresh kick to both the chicken and street corn topping.
• Avocado oil: Helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken juicy while searing, with a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and deep smoky flavor, anchoring both the marinade and topping.
• Cumin powder: Warm and earthy, cumin is essential for that classic taco-inspired note in the chicken.
• Garlic powder (or fresh garlic): Either version infuses a mellow, aromatic flavor into the marinade.
• Salt & black pepper: Season the chicken and the topping to draw out and balance all the flavors.
• Sweet corn kernels (grilled if possible): Corn provides juicy bite and, when grilled, a smoky-sweet depth that sets the bowl apart.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a hint of sharpness and gorgeous color in the corn topping.
• Sour cream: Adds creamy body to the corn topping and makes a tangy drizzle for finishing.
• Mayonnaise: Makes the topping extra silky and authentic—don’t skip it for true street corn flavor!
• Cotija cheese (plus extra for garnish): Salty, crumbly, and tangy, it’s the perfect foil for sweet corn and spicy chicken.
• Extra chili powder: A second hit in the corn topping and for finishing, this doubles down on the punchy flavor profile.
• Cooked rice: Fluffy rice is the hearty base that soaks up every last bit of saucy, zesty topping.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings color and fresh, herby fragrance as a garnish—optional for cilantro haters!
• Lime wedges: For squeezing over the top and waking up all the flavors at the table.
• Tajín (optional): For a finishing sprinkle of chili-lime zing; it makes the whole bowl pop!

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat well on all sides, making sure the marinade really gets into every crevice. Pop the bowl in your fridge for at least 15, ideally 30 minutes. This short marinating time makes the chicken super juicy with layers of flavor that come through in every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet (cast iron if you have one!) over medium-high until it’s nice and hot. Add the chicken and let it sear without moving it for a good 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through and deliciously browned. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes—this keeps every slice juicy. Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes.

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

In a bowl, combine the sweet corn kernels (ideally already grilled, but sautéed frozen corn works in a pinch!), thinly sliced red onion, half of the sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and a teaspoon of chili powder. Season with more salt, pepper, and a little extra lime juice to taste. This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy topping is the key to transforming this into a true Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Step 4: Warm the Rice

If your rice is just-cooked, you’re ready to go. If you’re repurposing cold, leftover rice, add it to a bowl with a splash of water and cover loosely—microwave until steamy and fluffy. You want the rice hot and tender as the base to soak up all the toppings.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Start by dividing the warm rice among your serving bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, a big scoop of the street corn topping, extra crumbled cotija, and plenty of fresh cilantro. Arrange some lime wedges along the side for squeezing. If you like, drizzle with the remaining sour cream and dust with Tajín or chili powder for extra color and kick. Each Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will look vibrant and taste irresistible!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Topping your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is where the fun begins! Classic garnishes include fresh cilantro leaves, more crumbled cotija cheese, and a final sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín for zesty color. A generous squeeze of lime brings it all together—don’t be shy! For extra decadence, drizzle over any leftover sour cream for that signature elote flair.

Side Dishes

Serve your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and fresh salsa for scooping, or a simple avocado salad to keep things light and fresh. Black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a handful of sliced radishes also pair beautifully, rounding out the meal with extra texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Amp up the fun by serving this bowl family-style with all the components laid out separately—let everyone build their own Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl just the way they like it. Or, layer ingredients in a big platter for a party-ready main. If you’re entertaining, try mini versions in cups or jars for a portable, picnic-friendly twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl components in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Store the rice, chicken, and street corn topping apart for best freshness—the flavors keep wonderfully for 2-3 days, and everything stays delicious when stored separately.

Freezing

While the rice and chicken freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, the creamy street corn topping is best made fresh—freezing changes the texture of the sour cream and mayo. Simply freeze the rice and chicken in portioned containers, then reheat and top with freshly mixed corn topping when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, gently microwave the rice and chicken (covered, with a sprinkle of water over the rice) until steaming. Avoid microwaving the corn topping; instead, bring it to room temperature. Assemble the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl as usual, add fresh lime and cilantro, and you’ll be amazed at how good leftovers taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, but breast works well too, just make sure not to overcook it—slice the breast thinly for maximum tenderness in your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Can I use canned or frozen corn?

Yes, both canned and frozen corn are great in a pinch. If possible, sauté them in a hot pan for a few minutes to develop some caramelization, mimicking the smokiness of grilled street corn in your bowl.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

No cotija? Try feta cheese for a similar briny, crumbly texture, or queso fresco for a milder option. Either one works perfectly in a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl if cotija is hard to find.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice is pretty mild and family-friendly, but you have total control. Add more chili powder, toss in a pinch of cayenne, or finish with extra Tajín if you want a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with a real kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream, skip or sub the cotija with a plant-based cheese, and the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will still be super flavorful and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for something bold, colorful, and absolutely bursting with flavor, be sure to try this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for a gathering with friends. I can’t wait for you to share it with your favorite people!

Print