If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that brings together the best of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and the irresistible charm of Mexican street food, then this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is your new go-to. It’s packed with smoky, tangy, and creamy elements that dance beautifully on your palate, making every bite a celebration of texture and taste. This dish is not only a feast for your senses but also a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and texture, ensuring every spoonful is a delightful adventure.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle richness.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a smoky, warm kick that unifies the bowl’s flavors.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthiness and depth to the chicken seasoning.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown): The perfect neutral base that absorbs all the delicious sauces.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creamy texture and protein to round out the meal.
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Sweet pop of flavor reminiscent of classic street corn.
1/2 cup diced red onion: Offers a fresh bite and slight sharpness that balances the creaminess.
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color): Brings vibrant color and a crisp bite to the bowl.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses the dish with a bright, herbal note that wakes up all the flavors.
1 avocado, sliced: Creamy and luscious, a perfect topping for richness.
Lime wedges: For squeezing on top, adding zesty brightness to every mouthful.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken pieces in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend is the foundation for juicy, flavorful chicken that carries the smoky and earthy spices throughout.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. This step is where the magic happens—caramelizing the chicken to lock in those bold flavors and tender texture.

Step 3: Make the Street Corn Sauce

Whip up the signature street corn sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, crumbled cotija cheese, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy sauce is what sets this chicken rice bowl apart, capturing the classic essence of Mexican street corn in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowl

Now comes the fun part—layering your bowl. Start with the cooked rice as a base, then add black beans, corn kernels, diced red onion, bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Each layer adds a unique texture or flavor, building a balanced and vibrant dish.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Sauce

Top your assembled bowls with the perfectly cooked chicken pieces. Drizzle generously with the luscious street corn sauce to tie everything together with that creamy, zesty goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with fresh avocado slices and lime wedges. The avocado brings a creamy coolness, while the lime juice adds a burst of citrusy brightness that elevates the entire bowl. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors.

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes in this recipe aren’t just for looks—they add layers of flavor and texture that make the dish pop. Avocado slices add creamy richness, while lime wedges offer a tangy zing that balances the smoky chicken and spicy sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of extra cotija cheese or fresh cilantro on top adds an extra level of freshness and that signature street corn feel.

Side Dishes

While this bowl is a full meal in itself, pairing it with some warm corn tortillas or a simple side salad brightens up the plate perfectly. A crisp jicama slaw or pickled red onions can also complement the dish by adding more crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, serve this dish in colorful bowls with each ingredient neatly layered for a vibrant look that invites you in. For a fun twist, try wrapping the components in soft tortillas for a deconstructed taco experience. Adding a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkling with toasted pepitas can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess. The street corn sauce should also be kept in its own container to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to save time, you can freeze cooked chicken and rice separately. Avoid freezing the creamy sauce or fresh toppings like avocado, as they do not freeze well and can affect texture.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove to maintain tenderness and moisture. Add fresh toppings, avocado, and the street corn sauce after reheating to keep the flavors vibrant and fresh, ensuring your bowl tastes as good as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, steak, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh, just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.

Is the street corn sauce spicy?

The sauce has a gentle kick from chili powder, but it’s more smoky and tangy than fiery. You can always adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicier.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and load your bowl with extra beans, corn, bell peppers, and avocado for a delicious meat-free version that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.

What type of rice is best to use?

Both white and brown rice work well. Brown rice offers more fiber and a nuttier flavor, while white rice provides a neutral base that allows the other ingredients to shine.

How long does the dish keep in the refrigerator?

Stored properly, this dish should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to keep the creamy sauce separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe has quickly become a favorite for good reason. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and so full of flavor that every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a perfect blend of convenience and culinary joy that brightens up any mealtime.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 90 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal combining tender, spiced chicken with a zesty street corn-inspired sauce. With layers of rice, black beans, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, it offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes in a wholesome, easy-to-make bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Base

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Street Corn Sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes

1 avocado, sliced
Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside.
Make the Street Corn Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, cumin, crumbled cotija cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed for a creamy, tangy sauce.
Assemble the Rice Bowl: Divide cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with black beans, corn kernels, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, and fresh cilantro, layering thoughtfully for colorful presentation.
Add Chicken and Sauce: Place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the vegetable and rice layer in each bowl. Drizzle generously with the prepared street corn sauce for a rich and zesty flavor boost.
Garnish and Serve: Finish each bowl with sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and textures.