Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower); 2 grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts, sliced; 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or canned/drained); ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; Juice of 1 lime; ¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese; Chopped cilantro

Published: August 12, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Flavorful: The blend of mayo, sour cream, and spices creates a rich taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado or jalapeños to suit your taste.
Nutrition-Packed: Filled with protein from chicken and nutrients from corn and cilantro, it’s a wholesome choice.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare it in advance for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, gather your tools beforehand. Being organized will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Cooking pot or rice cooker
Grill pan or skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Grill pan or skillet: Ideal for achieving perfect sear on chicken breasts while adding flavor.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

For the Rice Base

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

For the Chicken

2 grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts, sliced

For the Corn Mixture

1 cup corn kernels (grilled or canned/drained)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

Avocado slices
Jalapeños
Hot sauce

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Mixture

In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, crumbled cheese, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Warm the Rice

Heat your cooked rice in a pot or microwave until warm. Once heated, evenly distribute it into serving bowls.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

Top each bowl of rice with sliced grilled chicken. Generously spoon the corn mixture over the top.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Garnish your bowls with optional toppings such as avocado slices, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately for a fresh meal or pack it for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Serving a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is simple and customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. You can create a beautiful presentation while allowing diners to tailor their bowls to their liking.

Personalize Your Bowl

Fresh toppings: Add avocado slices or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added citrus kick.
Hot sauce: Offer a variety of hot sauces to cater to different spice levels.

Create a Family Style Meal

Large serving platters: Present the rice, chicken, and corn mixture separately for a communal dining experience.
Build-your-own bowls: Encourage guests to assemble their own bowls with their preferred ingredients.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Pack in containers: Divide the ingredients into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Keep toppings separate: Store avocado and other fresh toppings separately to maintain freshness until serving.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To make your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl truly remarkable, consider these essential tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when possible. Grilling enhances its sweetness and flavor.
Season well: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Proper seasoning brings out the best in every ingredient.
Warm the rice: Serving warm rice enhances the overall experience and keeps everything cozy.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like cumin or garlic powder for a unique twist on flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Pairing your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with complementary side dishes elevates your meal. Here are some delicious options:

Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro dressed in lime juice.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled with olive oil and herbs make for a healthy addition.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with the savory flavors of your rice bowl.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs perfectly with the spices in the bowl.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): A classic corn dish topped with cheese, mayo, lime, and chili powder that echoes your main dish’s flavors.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime complements the main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the final taste of your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your corn mixture properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness.
Not warming the rice: Using cold rice can make your dish less enjoyable. Warm the rice before serving to enhance the overall texture and temperature.
Ignoring freshness: Using stale ingredients, especially herbs or dairy, can ruin the dish’s flavor. Always check expiration dates and use fresh ingredients for the best results.
Forgetting about customization: Sticking rigidly to the recipe might prevent you from discovering new flavors. Feel free to add toppings like avocado or jalapeños according to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keep components separate if possible, especially the chicken and corn mixture.

Freezing Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring in between until warmed.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding making and enjoying your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice based on your preference and dietary needs.

What is the best way to cook chicken for this dish?

Grilling or pan-searing works best as it provides a nice char and juicy texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian option.

How can I spice up my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat, or mix in some diced bell peppers for added flavor.

What other toppings work well?

Feel free to try additional toppings like diced red onion, lime wedges, or even a drizzle of tahini sauce!

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is not just a meal; it’s a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize each bowl according to your tastes. Try it out today, and feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients!

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