Street Corn Chicken Rice Bow

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a feast of textures and flavors, marrying smoky grilled chicken with creamy, zesty elote-style corn. Topped over fluffy jasmine rice and paired with fresh avocado, red onion, and a sprinkle of cotija, this dish brings the essence of a summer street fair right to your table. Not only is this bowl incredibly satisfying, but it also makes an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite. It delivers on both taste and nutrition—loaded with protein, healthy fats, and bold flavor from spices and lime. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl or want to impress with layered flavor, this bowl hits the mark every time.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:_

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
• 1 cup frozen fire-roasted corn, thawed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh jalapeño slices (optional)

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Directions:_

1. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.

2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub over the chicken breasts.

3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove and let rest before slicing.

4. In a bowl, combine thawed corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro, and cayenne (if using). Mix well to make your street corn topping.

5. Assemble the bowls: layer rice on the bottom, top with sliced chicken, street corn mixture, avocado, red onion, jalapeños, and additional cotija cheese if desired.

6. Serve warm and enjoy the bold, zesty flavors!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 530 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Flavor-Packed, Wholesome, and Incredibly Satisfying

When it comes to bold, satisfying meals that feel both indulgent and nourishing, few dishes check as many boxes as the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. This vibrant, all-in-one bowl blends classic Mexican street corn (elote) with tender grilled chicken and perfectly steamed rice for a fusion of flavor and texture that’s irresistible.

Inspired by the irresistible flavors of Mexican street food, this bowl takes elote—a creamy, cheesy, tangy corn dish traditionally served on the cob—and reimagines it into a hearty, complete meal. The juicy chicken, seasoned with a smoky spice blend, balances the sweetness of the corn and creaminess of the dressing, while avocado and red onion add freshness and crunch.

The Cultural Roots: A Homage to Elote and Mexican Cuisine

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is one of the most beloved street foods in Mexican cuisine. It’s usually grilled on the cob and slathered in a creamy sauce of mayo and crema, then rolled in cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and sometimes cayenne. This dish is bursting with bold flavor, layered textures, and nostalgic charm.

In this bowl version, we take everything amazing about elote and blend it with the popular rice bowl format—perfect for modern eating habits. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or crafting a beautiful dinner, this dish offers that nostalgic comfort of elote with the heartiness of a protein-packed main meal.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Here are just a few reasons why this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is one of the best recipes you can add to your kitchen lineup:

1. Bold, Balanced Flavor

The smoky chili and paprika seasoning on the chicken contrasts perfectly with the creamy, tangy street corn topping. Cotija cheese adds a savory punch, lime brings brightness, and avocado delivers cool creaminess. It’s a dance of sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy in every bite.

2. One-Bowl Wonder

This recipe is a complete meal in one bowl—protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats all in one. That means less prep, fewer dishes, and maximum satisfaction.

3. Highly Customizable

Make it yours! You can:

• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice for more fiber

• Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or a plant-based alternative

• Add toppings like black beans, shredded lettuce, or pickled jalapeños

• Make it spicier or more citrusy depending on your taste preferences

4. Meal Prep Friendly

This bowl stores well, making it perfect for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time. Store the components separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness.

5. Nutritious Without Sacrificing Flavor

Each serving delivers lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and healthy fats from avocado. The spices and herbs not only add flavor but also bring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Ingredient Breakdown & Benefits

Let’s take a closer look at the powerhouse ingredients in this bowl:

• Chicken Breast – A lean source of protein that helps keep you full and supports muscle repair and growth.

• Street Corn Mix – Combines corn (rich in fiber and antioxidants), mayo, sour cream (for creaminess), cotija cheese (calcium and savory umami), and lime juice (vitamin C and zesty brightness).

• Rice – A neutral base that soaks up all the flavorful toppings. Jasmine rice offers a slightly floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the bold toppings.

• Avocado – Provides heart-healthy fats and a buttery texture that balances the spicy and tangy elements.

• Red Onion & Jalapeño – Add sharpness and heat, enhancing the contrast of flavors.

Make It for Any Occasion

This dish is a go-to for all kinds of meals:

• Weeknight Dinners – Quick to cook and universally loved.

• Meal Prep – Easy to store in containers and reheat throughout the week.

• Casual Gatherings – Make a build-your-own bowl bar so guests can customize their toppings.

• Summer BBQs – Perfect as a refreshing, hearty dish when grilled on the patio.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: A meat thermometer ensures perfectly juicy chicken every time (165°F internal temp).

• Char the Corn: If you can, lightly char the corn in a skillet or grill for that authentic street corn flavor.

• Layer Smartly: Always place the rice on the bottom to soak up any juices and creaminess from the street corn and dressing.

Ways to Lighten It Up or Boost Protein

Want to lighten things up? Try these tweaks:

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.

• Use grilled zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.

• Skip the mayo and use mashed avocado or hummus in the street corn mix.

Need more protein?

• Add black beans or extra chicken

• Sprinkle with hemp seeds for a plant-based protein boost

What People Love About This Recipe

“This bowl is like summer in every bite!”
“My picky eater kids devoured it and asked for seconds.”
“I love how easy it is to make a double batch for lunches all week.”

It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just taste great—it feels great to eat. It’s colorful, comforting, and leaves you satisfied without feeling heavy.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an easy win. It celebrates fresh, bold ingredients and delivers a complete, balanced meal with minimal effort. The fusion of Mexican street food flavors with the ease of a rice bowl format makes it endlessly appealing and universally loved. From its cultural inspiration to its nutrient-rich ingredients and incredible flavor, this is one recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.