Smoky Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Zesty Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe to Brighten Your Day

Creamy, zesty street corn chicken rice bowls burst with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender grilled chicken mingles with smoky street corn in this irresistible recipe.

Charred kernels and spices create a symphony of textures and tastes that elevate a simple meal.

Perfectly seasoned rice serves as the hearty foundation for this delightful dish.

Roasted corn and succulent chicken blend seamlessly with tangy lime and creamy cotija cheese.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through bold, fresh ingredients.

Dive into this mouthwatering bowl and savor every single, spectacular spoonful.

Everything Inside Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

For Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist during cooking.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and tenderizes the chicken.
  • Chili Powder: Provides warm, smoky heat to the dish.
  • Cumin: Brings earthy, deep flavor to the marinade.
  • Smoked Paprika: Delivers rich, smoky undertones.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers classic savory aromatics.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances overall depth of flavor.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies other seasonings.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild, sharp spiciness.
For Corn Topping:
  • Corn Kernels: Creates classic street corn texture and sweetness.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides creamy base for street corn mixture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness to the corn.
  • Cotija Cheese: Delivers salty, crumbly Mexican cheese character.
  • Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbaceous notes.
For Rice and Serving:
  • Rice: Serves as hearty base for the bowl.
  • Avocado: Offers creamy, smooth element.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds fresh, juicy pop of color.
  • Jalapenos: Provides optional spicy kick.
  • Lime Wedges: Allows for extra citrus brightness.

Tools For Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Prep

  • Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks on chicken and corn.
  • Small bowl: Used for mixing marinade and preparing street corn ingredients.
  • Resealable bag or dish: Helps marinate chicken evenly and keep it moist.
  • Large bowl: For mixing cilantro-lime rice and combining ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken and cut corn kernels.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation.
  • Skillet: Useful for heating corn if grilling isn't possible.
  • Tongs: Great for handling chicken and corn on the grill.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for marinades and corn mixture.

Steps To Cook Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Steps To Cook Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Flavor Fusion

Whip up a zesty marinade blending vibrant spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bathe chicken in this tangy mixture, letting it soak up the bold flavors for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

  • Sizzling Grill Action

Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Rescue the chicken from its marinade bath and cook until it’s perfectly golden and reaches the ideal internal temperature. Allow the meat to rest and relax before slicing into tempting strips.

  • Corn Celebration

Transform ordinary corn into a mouthwatering street-style sensation. Char the kernels until they’re kissed by smoky goodness. Blend with creamy mayo, tangy sour cream, zesty lime, and crumbly cotija cheese to create an irresistible corn medley.

  • Rice Revolution

Breathe new life into plain rice by tossing it with bright lime juice and fresh cilantro. Each grain becomes a canvas of flavor, promising a delightful base for your bowl.

  • Bowl Brilliance

Craft your masterpiece by layering cilantro-lime rice as the foundation. Crown it with juicy chicken strips and lavish corn mixture. Sprinkle with bonus toppings like creamy avocado, burst cherry tomatoes, or spicy jalapeños. Squeeze fresh lime for that final flavor punch.

Tips To Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Bold

  • Street Corn Chicken Heat-Up Tricks
  • Marinade Magic: For deeper flavor, let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the spices sit, the more intense the taste becomes.
  • Grill Master Method: Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure perfect sear and prevent steaming. Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
  • Corn Char Technique: Get maximum smoky flavor by grilling corn directly on open flame. Rotate kernels frequently to prevent burning while creating beautiful golden-brown spots.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version. This substitution maintains delicious flavor while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu. Season alternative protein with same spice blend to keep authentic street corn bowl essence.

Serving Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Warm

  • Flavor Explosion Bowl: Layer the rice, chicken, and street corn to create a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that dance together in every bite.
  • Taco-Inspired Twist: Crush tortilla chips over the top for a crunchy element that adds excitement and mimics classic street taco vibes.
  • Fresh Garden Boost: Sprinkle diced fresh avocado, chopped cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions for a burst of color and additional freshness that complements the smoky chicken and creamy corn.
  • Spice Level Customization: Offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat level according to their personal preference and spice tolerance.

Store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl For Lunches

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the chicken, rice, and street corn separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator. Seal each ingredient individually to maintain freshness and prevent flavor mixing, which keeps components crisp and delicious for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Chicken and rice can be frozen for up to one month. Wrap components tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Efficiency: Prepare rice, grill chicken, and chop street corn ingredients in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator, allowing quick assembly of bowls during busy weekdays. Components stay fresh for 4-5 days when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken and rice in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water or lime juice to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken. Serve street corn components fresh or gently warmed for optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Steps To Cook Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 3

Print
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Smoky Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Smoky Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Mexican street corn chicken rice bowls blend zesty flavors in a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds. Corn, grilled chicken, and creamy sauce combine for an irresistible dinner that brings Mexico’s street food magic to home kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (1.5 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
  • 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ avocados, sliced
  • ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Extra cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Submerge chicken breasts in mixture, refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours for flavor infusion.
  2. Grill Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook marinated chicken until golden and internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Rest briefly, then slice into strips.
  3. Prepare Street Corn: Char corn kernels in skillet or grill until caramelized. Blend charred kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cotija cheese, and cilantro, creating a vibrant street-style topping.
  4. Assemble Rice Base: Combine cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro, creating a fragrant foundation.
  5. Compose Bowl: Layer cilantro-lime rice, top with sliced chicken and street corn mixture. Garnish with avocado, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and extra cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

  • Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to absorb marinade flavors for at least 30 minutes, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent protein breakdown and maintain tender texture.
  • Grill with Precision: Achieve perfect chicken by maintaining medium-high heat and checking internal temperature reaches 165F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
  • Corn Charring Technique: Develop deep flavor by thoroughly caramelizing corn kernels, creating smoky undertones that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe by substituting chicken with tofu, using dairy-free mayo for vegan version, or replacing rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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