1. Introduction
If you love bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is about to become your new favorite. Inspired by Mexican-style street corn (elote), this bowl combines juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy, tangy corn loaded with flavor.
It’s a winner because it’s:
- Easy enough for busy weeknights
- Packed with protein and comfort
- Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
- Customizable for spice lovers and picky eaters
Every bite is creamy, smoky, fresh, and satisfying.
2. Ingredients (Shopping List)
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Street Corn Mixture
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
For the Rice
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra cotija or feta cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot sauce or chipotle mayo
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- Medium saucepan with lid (for rice)
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Spoon for mixing
4. Preparation Steps (Nice & Easy)
- Wash and rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Season the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Set aside for 10–15 minutes.
- If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob. If frozen, thaw it.
- Chop cilantro and prep all toppings so everything is ready before cooking.
5. Cooking Instructions
Cook the Rice
- Bring water or broth to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add rice and salt, stir once.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Make the Street Corn
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add corn and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly charred.
- Lower heat and stir in mayo, sour cream, chili powder, paprika, lime juice, and salt.
- Remove from heat and mix in cotija cheese.
Secret Tip: Let the corn slightly char before adding the creamy ingredients. That smoky flavor makes all the difference.
6. Serving Suggestions
To assemble:
- Start with a base of rice.
- Add sliced chicken.
- Spoon over the creamy street corn.
- Finish with cilantro, extra cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve with:
- Tortilla chips
- Simple green salad
- Black beans or refried beans
7. Additional Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
- Healthier option: Use brown rice and Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free mayo and skip the cheese.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.
- Meal prep friendly: Store components separately for best texture.
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | ~680 mg |
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
9. FAQ Section
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just season lightly and warm it up.
Q: Can I freeze this bowl?
Rice and chicken freeze well, but the creamy corn is best fresh.
Q: What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
Feta cheese works great and is easier to find.
Q: How do I make it low-carb?
Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
10. Wrap-Up
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is comfort food with personality. It’s creamy, smoky, tangy, and filling without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something exciting, this bowl checks all the boxes.
Fun fact: Mexican street corn, or elote, is traditionally served on the cob with mayo, lime, chili, and cheese—this bowl is a cozy, fork-friendly version of that classic street food.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation 🌽🍗✨
