Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn with perfectly seasoned chicken thighs for a satisfying meal. Each bowl features marinated chicken, a creamy corn topping made with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a blend of Mexican spices, all served over warm fluffy rice. The dish balances savory, creamy, and tangy elements, with the street corn topping adding a classic elote-inspired twist. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it's perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep, offering a delicious way to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors in a convenient bowl format.
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Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 23:00:07 GMT
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This Mexican-inspired rice bowl combines perfectly seasoned chicken with charred sweet corn and a zesty lime crema that captures authentic street food flavors. Each component builds layers of texture and taste, from tender chicken thighs to grilled corn kernels, all brought together with a creamy, tangy sauce that makes every bite memorable.

After discovering Mexican street corn at a local food festival, I became obsessed with recreating those flavors at home. This bowl combines all those beloved elements into one satisfying meal that my family requests weekly.

Bowl Building Blocks

  • Chicken thighs: More flavorful and juicier than breast meat
  • Sweet corn: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully when properly charred
  • Cotija cheese: Adds authentic salty, crumbly texture
  • Jasmine rice: Creates the perfect foundation for all toppings
  • Fresh lime juice: Essential for brightening all components
  • Sour cream: Base for the creamy sauce that ties everything together
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Creating Your Bowl

Rice Preparation:
Cook jasmine rice until tender, letting it steam covered for optimal fluffiness.
Chicken Seasoning:
Combine spices with lime juice and oil, coating chicken evenly before marinating.
Corn Charring:
Heat corn in a dry skillet until golden spots appear, developing smoky sweetness.
Sauce Creation:
Mix sour cream with mayo, lime juice, and seasonings until smooth.
Chicken Cooking:
Sear marinated thighs until golden brown with crispy edges.
Bowl Assembly:
Layer rice, sliced chicken, charred corn, and drizzle with sauce.

Growing up, my grandmother would sprinkle tajín on everything. Adding it to this bowl's sauce creates an incredible depth that reminds me of her cooking every time.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this bowl into a feast by offering additional toppings like diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or fresh pico de gallo. Create a family-style spread where everyone can customize their bowls. Serve with warm tortillas on the side for an interactive dining experience.

Creative Adaptations

Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same spice blend. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or quinoa as the base. Adjust heat levels by adding fresh jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the sauce.

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Smart Storage

Keep components separate in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat chicken and rice gently with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Sauce stays fresh for five days when refrigerated properly.

This street corn bowl has become my signature dish for both casual weeknight dinners and entertaining friends. The combination of properly seasoned chicken, charred corn, and homemade sauce creates a meal that's both comforting and exciting. The beauty lies in its versatility - whether you're making it for a quick lunch or hosting a dinner party, this bowl never fails to impress. Remember, the key to perfection is in the details: properly charred corn, well-seasoned chicken, and that irresistible sauce that brings it all together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though chicken thighs are juicier, you can use breast meat. Just adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese makes a good substitute, though it's slightly saltier than cotija.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components separately and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving.
→ Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and skip the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
→ What rice works best for this recipe?
Any long-grain white rice works well, but you can also use brown rice for added nutrition.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl

This Mexican-inspired rice bowl combines juicy seasoned chicken thighs with a creamy street corn topping and fluffy rice for a delicious comfort meal.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
02 1 tbsp lime juice
03 1 tbsp avocado oil
04 1 tsp chili powder
05 1 tsp cumin powder
06 ½ tsp garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
07 ½ tsp salt
08 ¼ tsp black pepper

→ For the Street Corn Topping

09 1 cup sweet corn kernels, grilled if possible - frozen
10 ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
11 1 cup sour cream (save half to drizzle on top)
12 2 tbsp mayonnaise
13 ½ cup cotija cheese crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
14 1 tsp chili powder
15 Salt and pepper to taste
16 1 lime cut into wedges

→ For the Rice and Assembly

17 3 cups cooked rice
18 Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Combine lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat 4 chicken thighs and marinate for 15-30 minutes in the fridge.

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook (sear) the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until done. Rest, then slice.

Step 03

Mix 1 cup grilled corn or sauteed frozen sweet corn, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, ½ cup Cotija cheese, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Add salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.

Step 04

Reheat 3 cups cooked rice with a splash of water until warm and fluffy.

Step 05

Add rice, sliced chicken, street corn topping, extra Cotija, and cilantro to each bowl. Garnish with lime wedges. Optional: Drizzle extra sour cream on top if desired. Optional: Finish with a sprinkle of Tajín for extra flavor.

Notes

  1. For deeper flavor, grill or cook the corn in a hot skillet until slightly charred.
  2. Use fresh lime juice for best results.
  3. When reheating rice, add a splash of water to keep it fluffy.
  4. For extra toppings, try diced avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, radish slices, or green onions.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Wooden Cutting Board
  • Chef Knife
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (sour cream, cotija cheese)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 512
  • Total Fat: 28.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43.5 g
  • Protein: 22.6 g