Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together juicy grilled chicken, zesty Mexican street corn salad, and a medley of fresh toppings all over fluffy rice — basically, it’s a flavor festival in every bite! This bowl captures the vibrant, summery spirit of elote, combining smoky, creamy, and citrusy notes with hearty rice and protein for a meal that’s as colorful as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or to wow friends at your next cookout, this is one recipe to put on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl so irresistible is how each ingredient brings its own sparkle to the party. A few essentials form the backbone of the dish, while fresh toppings and seasonings build layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more. Here’s what you need and why you need it:

• Chicken breasts: Juicy and tender, these absorb all the smoky marinade flavors and form the protein-packed base of your bowl.
• Chicken marinade: Infuses the chicken with flavor and helps keep it moist and tender on the grill.
• Grilled corn: Sweet, charred kernels add an authentic elote vibe and golden pops of color.
• Mayo: Creamy and rich, it’s essential for that classic street corn salad texture.
• Feta cheese: Brings a tangy, salty note that balances out the sweetness of the corn.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens up the salad and finished bowls with herbal freshness.
• Lime juice: Zesty acidity ties all the flavors together and perks up the corn and chicken alike.
• Garlic, minced: Adds a subtle, savory aroma that deepens the flavor.
• Chili powder & paprika: These spices deliver smoky warmth and a gentle kick.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning both salad and chicken, making every bite sing.
• Red onion: Delivers crunch and a little bite to the street corn salad.
• Cotija cheese: Adds that authentic, crumbly richness you expect from Mexican street corn.
• Cooked rice: The hearty foundation that soaks up all the juices and flavors.
• Black beans: Provide plant-based protein and earthy contrast.
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweetness and color.
• Jalapeño slices: Bring the heat — go bold or keep it mild to your liking.
• Lime wedges: For squeezing extra zing just before serving.
• Additional fresh cilantro: For layers of fresh flavor and a pretty garnish.
• Sour cream: Creamy, cool contrast to all the bold and smoky flavors.
• Avocado, sliced: Buttery richness and gorgeous green hue to round out your bowl.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Give your chicken breasts a flavor bath by combining your favorite marinade ingredients (think lime juice, garlic, spices, maybe a little olive oil) in a small bowl. Place the chicken in a glass dish and pour your marinade over, ensuring every inch is covered. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, but if you have time, up to an hour is even better — the longer it sits, the bigger the flavor payoff for your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to a nice, medium heat (about 400 to 450 degrees F). Gently shake off any excess marinade, then lay the chicken directly over the flames. Grill each side for 4-6 minutes to achieve beautiful grill marks and a smoky char. Once both sides are golden, move the chicken to indirect heat and let it finish cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until the thickest part reads 160 degrees F. Let the chicken rest as it comes up to 165 degrees F — this is crucial for juicy, sliceable chicken that’s never dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Grilled Corn

Get that grill nice and hot again (about 450 degrees F), and set your shucked corn cobs on a plate. Drizzle each with a scant amount of olive oil and massage it in so every kernel glistens. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then pop them on the grill. Turn every 2-3 minutes, letting each side get a little char, for a total of 10-12 minutes. Once lightly blackened, let the corn cool and then slice off the kernels — these are the magic ingredient in your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Step 4: Make the Street Corn Salad

In a large bowl, combine your grilled corn kernels with mayo, crumbly feta, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, the warming spices, a bit of salt and pepper, some diced red onion, and cotija cheese. Mix well so every kernel is coated and bursting with flavor. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or spice to match your personal street corn salad preferences!

Step 5: Build Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To assemble, divide your fluffy cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced or cubed grilled chicken, then spoon on a generous amount of street corn salad. Finish with toppings: black beans for earthiness, cherry tomatoes for color, jalapeño slices for zing, lime wedges for squeezing, sour cream for creaminess, avocado for richness, and an extra sprinkle of cilantro. Now you’ve got a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl that’s ready for its close-up!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

The right garnishes elevate your bowl from delicious to dazzling. A scatter of fresh cilantro, extra cotija, and a few jalapeño slices not only bring color but also boost flavor. Lime wedges are a must for last-minute zest, and a dollop of sour cream smoothes out every bite of your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Side Dishes

Pair these vibrant bowls with a crisp green salad, lightly salted tortilla chips, or a chilled agua fresca. The warmth from the rice and chicken plays well with cool, crunchy textures — and if you’re feeling festive, a side of sweet fried plantains or a simple cucumber salad keeps things lively.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, set up a DIY Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl bar and let everyone customize their toppings. You can also layer the elements in mason jars for a ready-to-go picnic treat or serve in mini bowls as part of a tapas-style spread. Stacking up all those bold colors is just as fun for the eyes as it is for the palate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl components, keep each element in its own airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, nothing gets soggy and you can easily reheat only what you need. The chicken, rice, and street corn salad should all be good for up to three days.

Freezing

While the chicken and rice freeze beautifully for up to two months, it’s best to make the corn salad fresh to preserve its bold, zesty flavors and crunchy texture. If you do freeze chicken and rice, cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

Warm the rice and chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Add the corn salad and toppings after reheating to preserve their freshness and crunch. Give everything a quick toss, and your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl will be as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor to your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Just adjust cooking time as they may need an extra minute or two to reach the proper temperature.

What rice is best for this recipe?

You can use white, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice depending on your preference or dietary needs. The key is to use something fluffy to soak up all the amazing flavors of your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Skip the chicken and load up on black beans or grilled mushrooms for a satisfying, plant-powered twist on the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. The corn salad and garnishes bring plenty of excitement on their own.

Can I make any parts ahead?

Yes, you can cook the rice, grill the corn, and even marinate or cook the chicken up to a day in advance. Just assemble your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl when you’re ready to eat for the best textures.

How spicy can I make this?

Spice lovers can add extra jalapeño slices, a dash more chili powder, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to truly crank up the heat! The beauty of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is how customizable it is to your spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something just so delightful about piling all these vivid, craveable flavors into one bowl and digging in. Give this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a try and let it bring some summery, street-food joy to your own kitchen — it just might become your new go-to!

Print