Name: Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: PT-488742H58M52S
Cook time: PT-488742H58M52S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice); 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 tsp chili powder (or paprika); 1 tsp garlic powder (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible); 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta/queso fresco); 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp lime juice (for extra zest); Lime wedges, for serving; 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (or white/brown rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb); Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings the zing of Mexican street food to your dinner table, you simply have to try the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Succulent chicken, smoky-sweet street corn, creamy cotija, and that tangy punch of lime all mingle atop a fluffy bed of jasmine rice. This bowl is a celebration of texture and taste, with a satisfyingly creamy, zesty corn topping and endless ways to personalize it with your favorite extras. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or pulling together a quick family dinner, this bowl is destined to become your new comfort food obsession.

Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl plays its own starring role, whether providing bold flavor, irresistible crunch, or a burst of freshness. You’ll love how these simple elements come together in perfect harmony, brightening up any night of the week.

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, these soak up the marinade beautifully (or substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option).
Lime Juice: Adds that essential citrusy tang and helps tenderize the chicken for max juiciness.
Avocado Oil: Ensures a golden sear and brings a light, nutty note—use olive oil if you prefer.
Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and a warm, smoky flavor that ties the dish together.
Garlic Powder: Optional, but layers in extra savory goodness without any chopping required.
Salt & Black Pepper: As always, seasoning is key to bringing out every delicious note.
Sweet Corn Kernels: Grilled, if possible, for that classic street corn flavor (fresh, canned, or frozen all work!).
Red Onion: Optional, but it adds a crisp edge and a lovely bit of color if you like a little bite.
Sour Cream: Lends creaminess to the street corn topping, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Mayonnaise: Blends with the sour cream for that ultra-lush, street corn authenticity.
Cotija Cheese: Salty, crumbly, and absolutely iconic on street corn; feta or queso fresco work too!
Lime Wedges: For that last squeeze of brightness just before serving—don’t skip this finishing touch!
Jasmine Rice: Softly fragrant and just sticky enough to catch every glorious topping; swap for white, brown, or even cauliflower rice to suit your mood.
Fresh Cilantro: Optional, but it brings a fresh green pop that makes every bite sing.

How to Make Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Nestle the chicken thighs in, turning to coat each piece well. If you have the time, let them marinate for at least 15 minutes—30 is even better. This short soak infuses the meat with bold citrusy flavor and ensures a tender bite, transforming simple chicken into something truly special.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add a splash of oil if needed. Lay in the marinated chicken, letting it sizzle. Cook each side for about 8-10 minutes, turning just once to develop a gorgeous golden crust. When cooked through, transfer to a plate and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into juicy strips or chunks. Those caramelized edges are culinary magic!

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

While the chicken cooks, whip up your street corn topping. In a small bowl, combine the sweet corn kernels (grilled if you can—such a flavor boost), red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija, chili powder, salt, pepper, and extra lime juice. Mix it all together until well coated. This creamy, tangy mixture tastes just like the classic treat you’d grab at a street cart, and it’s what makes the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl so completely irresistible.

Step 4: Reheat the Rice

If your rice is prepared ahead of time, just give it a quick zap in the microwave with a splash of water, or warm it gently on the stove. Fluffy, steaming rice is the perfect canvas for all those bold toppings, so don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Build your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl by laying down a generous scoop of jasmine rice in each bowl. Top with a heap of sliced chicken, then crown with a liberal spoonful of street corn mixture. Sprinkle over extra cotija and finish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side.

Step 6: Serve

Just before digging in, squeeze a little fresh lime over each bowl to wake up every flavor. Every bite should be creamy, tangy, savory, and a little bit smoky—a foolproof burst of sunshine in a bowl.

How to Serve Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle lots of chopped fresh cilantro and extra crumbled cotija cheese right before serving. A shower of thinly sliced radishes or a few diced jalapeños can also add wonderful crunch and a hint of heat—perfect for those who like to layer on the color and flavor!

Side Dishes

This bowl is a main event all on its own, but if you want to serve something alongside, think classic Mexican-inspired sides. A crisp green salad with avocado, a scoop of black beans, or even a little pico de gallo are all simple and satisfying companions that round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

The Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is as versatile as it is tasty! Set out all the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own, or layer them up in mason jars for a portable meal prep option. For parties, try serving mini versions in small bowls or clear cups for an eye-catching appetizer with maximum flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ingredients will keep beautifully when stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken, corn mixture, and rice each stay fresh for up to 3 days. For best results, store garnishes like cilantro and lime wedges separately to keep them vibrant.

Freezing

While the chicken and rice freeze well for up to 2 months, the creamy street corn topping is best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze just the chicken and rice, then make a quick batch of the corn topping when you’re ready to serve for that signature creamy crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying. Assemble your bowl with fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime, and you’re back to full flavor in just minutes!

FAQs

Can I make the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut for busy nights. Just warm up the shredded chicken and toss it with the marinade ingredients before assembling your bowl for a quick flavor infusion.

What’s the best way to grill the corn if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can char the corn in a hot, dry skillet until it gets some golden-brown spots. It won’t take long and delivers loads of smoky flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version of the street corn topping?

Yes! Simply use your favorite dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise, and substitute vegan cheese for the cotija. The result is just as creamy and delicious.

Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead?

Of course! Brown rice adds a nutty, wholesome bite, while cauliflower rice keeps things light and low-carb. Both work perfectly in the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

How can I make it spicier?

If you like a bit more heat, stir diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne into the corn topping, or garnish with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how fun and crave-worthy the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is, it’s time to dive in and make it your own! Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back for those zesty, creamy, and colorful layers again and again. Your taste buds will thank you!