Summer is the season for bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and quick meals that don’t keep you tied to the kitchen. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy to prep, packed with bold taste, and perfect for warm evenings, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is about to become your go-to.
Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) and grilled chicken, this bowl brings together creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes—all in one satisfying dish. The combination of juicy chicken, charred corn, fluffy rice, and a zesty lime crema makes for a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Let’s break down how to make this crave-worthy recipe step-by-step, with customization tips and ideas to make it your own.
🌽 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Full of Flavor – Smoky grilled chicken, zesty crema, sweet corn, and fresh herbs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make extra and enjoy for lunch all week.
- Family-Friendly – Customize with toppings everyone will love.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 2 tbsp crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt to taste
For the Lime Crema:
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
- Optional toppings: avocado, extra cheese, jalapeños, hot sauce, green onions, cilantro
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Start by mixing the olive oil, lime juice, and spices (chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper) in a bowl. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to an hour in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Tip: For extra smoky flavor, use a grill pan or outdoor grill. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work great too!
2. Prepare the Street Corn Mixture
If using fresh corn, you can grill it on the cob, then cut off the kernels. For frozen or canned corn, heat it in a skillet over high heat for a few minutes to get a light char.
In a bowl, mix the charred corn with mayo or sour cream, crumbled cheese, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
3. Whip Up the Lime Crema
Combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Adjust the lime to your taste—you want it tangy and refreshing.
This crema is the perfect drizzle to bring everything together and balance the spice from the chicken and corn.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Now comes the fun part! In each bowl, layer:
- A generous scoop of rice
- Sliced grilled chicken
- A few spoonfuls of the street corn mixture
- A drizzle (or two!) of lime crema
Top with your favorite add-ons like:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Extra cotija or feta cheese
- Pickled onions or jalapeños
- Cilantro and green onions
- A wedge of lime for squeezing
🌿 Customization Ideas
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it:
Rice Alternatives:
- Cilantro-lime rice
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice
- Spanish rice or brown rice
Protein Swaps:
- Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken
- Try shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
Dairy-Free Options:
- Swap sour cream and mayo for vegan versions
- Use avocado crema instead of lime crema
Low-Carb Version:
- Skip the rice and serve over shredded lettuce or a bed of greens
- Make it a street corn chicken salad bowl
🥗 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These bowls are ideal for meal prep:
- Store each component separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the chicken and corn mixture before serving.
- Keep the lime crema in a sealed container—it also makes a great dip or taco sauce!
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble bowls in containers without the crema and avocado. Add those fresh right before eating.
🍴 What to Serve With It
While this rice bowl is a full meal on its own, you can round it out with:
- Chips and guac or salsa
- A simple cucumber or watermelon salad
- Mexican street corn dip (if you can’t get enough!)
- Chilled agua fresca or limeade
📝 Final Thoughts
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything summer dinner should be—fresh, bold, satisfying, and simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, it delivers maximum flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this bowl is guaranteed to impress.
So fire up the grill, grab a handful of fresh ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that captures all the vibrant energy of summer—right in your own kitchen.
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