Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – where the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn (elotes) meet perfectly seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. This quick and satisfying meal brings the authentic taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes.
Inspired by the beloved Mexican street corn vendors, this bowl combines charred sweet corn tossed in creamy sauce, chili powder, and cotija cheese with juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast. Served over a bed of cilantro-lime rice and topped with a drizzle of homemade crema, every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a family-friendly dinner option, this bowl promises restaurant-quality taste with home-cooked comfort.
Pure Comfort
Picture warm rice topped with juicy chicken, charred sweet corn slathered in creamy sauce, tangy cotija cheese, and a hint of chili-lime seasoning. Every bite brings the authentic flavors of Mexican street food right to your dining table.
Ingredients / What You Need
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Street Corn:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
- 1/3 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Bowl:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- Tajín or chili-lime seasoning
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 bowls
Steps to Make It
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions.
- Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, prepare the street corn mixture:
- If using fresh corn, char in a separate pan until golden
- Mix crema, mayonnaise, half the cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice
- Fold in corn kernels and chopped cilantro
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble bowls:
- Start with a base of warm rice
- Add sliced chicken
- Top with street corn mixture
- Garnish with remaining cotija, cilantro, and a lime wedge
- Sprinkle with Tajín or chili-lime seasoning
Make It Perfect
- Toast your rice in the pan before cooking for extra flavor
- Let chicken rest to retain juices
- Char fresh corn for authentic street food flavor
- Room temperature crema mixes better than cold
- Adjust spice levels to taste
Mix It Up
- Try with grilled shrimp instead of chicken
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier base
- Add black beans for extra protein
- Include diced avocado for creaminess
- Incorporate roasted poblano peppers for heat
Perfect Partners
- Mexican-style roasted vegetables
- Fresh guacamole
- Warm tortillas
- Mexican street-style fruit cups
- Horchata or agua fresca
Busy Day Hero
- Cook rice in advance
- Use rotisserie chicken
- Prep corn mixture ahead
- Store components separately
- Assemble just before serving
Work Ahead
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Prepare components separately and store:
- Cooked rice: 4-5 days refrigerated
- Cooked chicken: 3-4 days refrigerated
- Corn mixture: 2-3 days refrigerated
- Assemble fresh each day
Save Some For Later
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers. Reheat rice and chicken gently in the microwave. The corn mixture tastes great cold or at room temperature.
Everyone’s Happy
- Kids love the sweet corn and mild flavors
- Adults appreciate the authentic street food taste
- Vegetarians can skip chicken and add beans
- Dairy-free folks can use vegan substitutes
- Gluten-free naturally
Good For You Too
- Lean protein from chicken
- Whole grains from rice
- Vegetables from corn
- Calcium from cotija
- Fresh herbs and citrus
Easy Clean Up
- One pan for chicken
- One pot for rice
- One bowl for corn mixture
- Line sheet pan with foil if roasting corn
- Prep bowls while cooking for efficient cleanup
Switch It Up
- Try quinoa or farro instead of rice
- Use grilled fish or tofu
- Make it spicy with jalapeños
- Add roasted sweet potatoes
- Create a burrito bowl version
Simply Perfect
This street corn chicken rice bowl brings together the best of Mexican street food flavors in an easy, customizable format perfect for any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bowl with frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn as a substitute. While grilled fresh corn provides the best authentic flavor, frozen corn can work well too. Just thaw and pat dry the corn before charring it in a hot skillet to achieve a similar effect. Season it the same way as you would fresh corn.
2. How long does the cilantro lime crema stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The cilantro lime crema will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before using if any separation occurs. For best results, make it fresh the day you plan to serve the bowls.
3. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or grated parmesan cheese. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, both alternatives provide a similar salty, crumbly texture that complements the other ingredients in the bowl.
4. Is there a way to make this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Yes! You can prep most components ahead of time. Cook the rice and chicken, prepare the corn mixture, and make the crema up to 3 days in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, simply reheat the rice and chicken, and assemble your bowl with the cold toppings.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with black beans, grilled tofu, or roasted chickpeas. These alternatives still provide protein while maintaining the Mexican street corn flavors of the dish. Just season your chosen protein with the same spices used for the chicken.
6. What’s the best rice to use for this bowl?
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, but you can also use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa as alternatives. Just note that cooking times and liquid ratios will vary depending on your choice. For the most authentic flavor, jasmine or basmati rice are excellent options.
7. Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can easily customize the heat level. For less spice, reduce or omit the chili powder and hot sauce in the crema. For more heat, add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce. You can also serve additional hot sauce on the side so each person can adjust to their preference.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to your kitchen in an easy, customizable format. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining, it’s a versatile dish that combines comfort and creativity. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for a fresh take on chicken and rice, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bowl.
Explore More Flavorful Dishes
If you enjoyed the bold flavors of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, you’ll love diving into other delicious recipes! For another comforting, protein-packed meal, try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. If you’re in the mood for a vibrant and wholesome side, the Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini add a burst of color and flavor to any meal. For those who love indulgent comfort food, the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple yet satisfying option. If you’re craving something sweet to balance the spices, the Bergamot Orange and Mascarpone Tiramisu with Pistachio Praline offers a delightful mix of creamy, citrusy, and nutty flavors. And for a savory breakfast or snack, don’t miss the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps—a perfect grab-and-go meal bursting with Italian-inspired goodness!