Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

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This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you want in a quick dinner: bold, smoky flavors, creamy tangy dressing, tender chicken, and bursts of sweet corn over fluffy rice. It’s like a warm, grilled summer night wrapped in a bowl—comforting and fresh all at once. The blend of textures, from the juicy grilled chicken to the creamy cilantro-lime sauce, makes every bite exciting.

Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), this recipe turns a classic flavor profile into a full meal. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but not heavy. The lime, chili powder, and fresh herbs wake up the dish, while the rice and grilled chicken make it satisfyingly filling. Serve it as a main dish or prep it ahead for lunches that you’ll actually look forward to.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ideal cut for this bowl. They stay juicy when grilled or seared, and they soak up seasoning beautifully. But if you have chicken breast on hand, that works too—just be sure not to overcook it.

Marinate the chicken with lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and a touch of olive oil for flavor-packed bites. You can also use rotisserie chicken in a pinch, but grilling gives that extra charred flavor that pairs so well with street corn.

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Ingredients for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The protein hero of the dish, marinated and grilled for smoky depth.
• Cooked Rice: Acts as a hearty, fluffy base to soak up all the flavors.
• Sweet Corn Kernels: Adds sweetness and crunch; grilled or charred corn boosts flavor.
• Cilantro-Lime Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and herbaceous—brings it all together.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
• Lime Wedges: Adds a final squeeze of zesty freshness.
• Spices (Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder): Layer the flavor into the chicken and give it that elote-inspired edge.
• Olive Oil: Helps with even cooking and locks in moisture.
• Salt & Pepper: To balance and elevate the ingredients.

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How To Make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for max flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Let it rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prep the Corn

If using fresh corn, char it directly on the grill or in a hot pan for extra flavor, then cut off the kernels. If using frozen corn, heat it in a dry pan until slightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Cilantro-Lime Sauce

Blend together Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, layer a scoop of rice, a handful of corn, the grilled chicken, and drizzle generously with the cilantro-lime sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a lime wedge.

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How to Serve and Store Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Serve this bowl warm with extra lime wedges and maybe a few tortilla chips on the side for crunch. It’s also great cold as a packed lunch.

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate until ready to serve for the freshest taste. You can reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate. You can dial it up with cayenne or hot sauce, or tone it down by reducing the chili powder.

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or even roasted chickpeas. The flavors still shine.

What kind of rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati rice work great for their fluffiness, but you can also use brown rice or even quinoa for a heartier twist.

Can I use canned corn?

Absolutely. Just drain it well and sauté in a hot pan for a bit of char.

What if I don’t have a blender for the sauce?

You can finely chop the cilantro and garlic and mix it into the yogurt or sour cream manually.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It’s perfect! Prep each component and assemble right before eating.

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Want More Chicken Bowl Ideas?

If you love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, you’ll want to check out these other fresh and flavorful meals:

• Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a rich, buttery option.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for pasta lovers.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for something warm and comforting.
• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you want more veggies in your bowl.
• Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice for a tropical vibe.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use grilled chicken or rotisserie? Add any toppings like cotija or avocado?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other eat better, every day.

For more daily recipes and food inspiration, visit my Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

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