Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Introduction
Street corn chicken rice bowls capture the essence of comfort food with a modern twist. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled to lock in flavor, served atop a bed of fluffy rice. Sweet roasted corn, creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice complete the dish. Each bite offers a balance of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and exciting.

This dish brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn into a hearty bowl format. The combination of protein, grains, and fresh vegetables makes it a complete meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Cooking a street corn chicken rice bowl at home allows control over ingredients and seasoning. It also opens the door to experimenting with flavors and toppings, making each bowl unique and tailored to personal preferences.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table listing the key ingredients for one serving along with approximate calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 6 ounces | 280 |
| Cooked white or brown rice | 1 cup | 200 |
| Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup | 130 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons | 180 |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon | 5 |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon | 3 |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | 5 |
| Cilantro | 2 tablespoons | 1 |
| Cotija cheese or feta | 2 tablespoons | 50 |
| Green onions | 2 tablespoons | 5 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
Total approximate calories per serving: 979
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken breast under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili powder. Let it rest for ten minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the chicken for six to eight minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and let it rest for five minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Roast the Corn
In a separate pan, add a teaspoon of olive oil and cook the corn over medium heat until lightly charred and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a little chili powder and lime juice over the corn while cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Mix mayonnaise with lime juice, a pinch of chili powder, and a small amount of salt in a bowl. This creamy sauce will coat the corn and add the signature flavor inspired by Mexican street corn.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Start with a base of cooked rice in a wide bowl. Add the sliced chicken on top. Spoon the roasted corn over the chicken, then drizzle with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle cotija cheese or feta, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions evenly across the bowl.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, the corn is tender, and the rice is fluffy.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Street corn chicken rice bowls can be adapted to suit personal tastes, dietary needs, and seasonal produce.
- Grain Variations: Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutritional benefits.
- Protein Options: Chicken thighs, shrimp, or even grilled tofu can replace the chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spice Level: Add hot sauce, paprika, or cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Include bell peppers, black beans, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter or vegan version, swap cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan feta.
- Make It Creamy: Mix Greek yogurt into the sauce for tanginess and extra creaminess.
These variations ensure every bowl can be personalized while maintaining the flavor profile of the classic street corn dish.
Nutritional Information
A single street corn chicken rice bowl is nutrient dense and provides a well-rounded meal.
- Calories: Approximately 980 per serving
- Protein: 45 grams
- Fat: 45 grams (from chicken, olive oil, and sauce)
- Carbohydrates: 95 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides calcium, iron, and potassium

This combination supports muscle recovery, energy levels, and overall wellness. Opting for brown rice or reducing mayonnaise can decrease calories and increase fiber intake without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the street corn chicken rice bowl with fresh lime wedges and a side of light salad for a refreshing contrast. A cold sparkling water with a slice of citrus complements the dish perfectly.
For gatherings, consider a build your own bowl setup with extra toppings such as roasted peppers, black beans, or avocado. Guests can customize their bowls while keeping the base of rice, chicken, and street corn consistent.
Adding a small portion of pickled onions or jalapenos can add tang and spice, enhancing the overall flavor. This dish is versatile enough for weekday meals, casual dinners, or entertaining friends.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken works well. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, but store the components separately. Assemble the bowls just before serving to maintain the texture of the corn and chicken.
Q3: Is the recipe gluten free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten free. Check labels if using pre-made sauces.
Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Q5: What type of cheese works best?
Cotija cheese is traditional, but feta can also be used. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast or vegan feta works beautifully.
Conclusion
Street corn chicken rice bowls bring together bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a satisfying texture in every bite. The tender chicken, charred sweet corn, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice form a meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Preparing this dish at home allows for creativity and experimentation. Adding different vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or changing grains keeps the recipe exciting and versatile. Each bowl can be personalized while maintaining the essence of street corn chicken flavor.
