Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
If you’ve ever wished dinner tasted like summer on a plate, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your new weeknight obsession. Juicy spiced chicken, creamy and zesty corn, and tender rice all come together in one colorful, flavor-packed bowl that checks every box: comforting, vibrant, and easy to whip up.
Inspired by classic Mexican street corn, this bowl keeps things simple without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick fix after a long day, this bowl delivers everything you love in one spot — creamy, cheesy, tangy, and just the right kick of heat.
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
It hits all the marks for a satisfying, well-balanced meal. The marinated chicken brings bold flavor and a bit of spice, while the street corn topping adds a creamy-sweet pop of texture. Served over fluffy rice and finished with crumbled cheese and fresh herbs, it’s equal parts indulgent and fresh. Plus, you can customize it however you like — extra jalapeños, different cheeses, or even a grain swap like quinoa.
What Kind of Corn Should I Use?
Freshly grilled corn on the cob brings that authentic street food taste, but if you’re short on time, frozen or canned corn will still do the trick. Just be sure to sauté it in a hot skillet to get a bit of char and deepen the flavor. The key is to create that slightly smoky, caramelized edge that gives street corn its signature bite.
Ingredients for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This bowl layers simple ingredients in a way that feels elevated. Each component has a purpose, building flavor and texture with every bite.
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Corn kernels
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Cotija cheese
- Chili powder
- Fresh lime juice
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices


How To Make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Toss your boneless chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, then slice or chop.
Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture
In the same skillet, add corn kernels and sauté until slightly charred. Mix the corn in a bowl with mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice until creamy and rich.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Spoon fluffy white rice into your bowl, top with the sliced chicken, then pile on the street corn mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices for that extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve and Store This Bowl
This recipe serves about 4 people and is perfect for family dinners or lunch meal prep. Serve it warm with extra lime wedges on the side. If you’re prepping ahead, store each component separately to keep the textures just right. The chicken and corn can be reheated, while the fresh toppings are best added just before serving.
What to Serve With the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Fresh Avocado Slices
Cool, creamy avocado balances the spice beautifully.
Black Bean Salad
A refreshing, fiber-rich side with zingy lime and red onion.
Crispy Tortilla Chips
Great for scooping any extras and adding crunch.
Grilled Pineapple
Sweet and slightly smoky, it pairs wonderfully with the savory bowl.
Churro Bites
A light, sweet finish that plays up the Mexican-inspired flair.
Mexican Rice
If you want to double down on flavor, swap plain rice for Mexican rice.
Pickled Red Onions
Their tangy bite cuts through the richness perfectly.
Roasted Veggies
Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini roasted in olive oil are a colorful, healthy add-on.
Want More Chicken Bowl Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, here are more cozy, flavor-packed dishes to explore next:
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a comforting classic.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you crave something creamy with a zing.
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired twist.
- Cajun Potato Soup to warm up those chilly nights.
- Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad when you’re looking for the perfect side.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again when those bold, fresh flavors call your name.
Let me know in the comments if you went full heat with the jalapeños or played it cool with extra lime. Did you switch up the cheese or add some crunchy toppings?
I love hearing how you make these meals your own. Questions? Fire away in the comments. Let’s keep cooking bold and easy.
Explore vibrant, health-forward bowls and more at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest!


Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe combines bold flavors of smoky chicken, creamy street corn, fluffy rice, and zesty toppings. It’s an easy and satisfying dinner idea perfect for meal prep, inspired by Mexican street corn flavors. Ideal for chicken bowls, easy rice bowl recipes, and summer meals.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
0.25 cup Cotija cheese
0.5 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
3 cups cooked white rice
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional: jalapeño slices for topping
Instructions
1. Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Slice or chop the chicken.
3. In the same skillet, sauté corn until lightly charred.
4. Mix corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice in a bowl.
5. Assemble bowls by layering white rice, chicken, and the creamy street corn.
6. Top with chopped cilantro and optional jalapeño slices.
7. Serve with extra lime wedges if desired.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for meal prep — store the components separately.
Feel free to use grilled corn for a smokier flavor.
Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
