Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl You’ll Crave Every Week

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Craving something bold and satisfying?

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you love about a classic chicken rice bowl—plus that smoky, creamy, lime-kissed flavor inspired by an authentic Mexican street corn recipe. It’s quick, colorful, and flexible enough to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.

Whether you call it a street corn chicken rice bowl, a Mexican street corn bowl, or a street corn chicken bowl, it’s packed with bold flavors and crave-worthy textures that come together in a way that feels like so much more than the individual ingredients by themselves. We’re talking charred sweet corn, juicy chicken thighs (or breasts), fluffy jasmine rice, creamy homemade lime crema (don’t fret, it’s super simple!), and a generous sprinkle of cotija or feta cheese.

And hey—if you’ve been missing that Chili’s roasted street corn recipe since it disappeared from the menu, this is your chance to have that flavor again because I think it’s so similar!

FYI: My love for this dish started at the Iowa State Fair. There’s a Street Corn vendor that shows up every single year, and their stand is always a must-stop during our annual visit. It’s that good—so naturally, I had to come up with my own version at home. And that’s how this recipe was born!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Flavor overload: Sweet, smoky, tangy, and creamy—every bite hits a little differently.
• Flexible ingredients: Use chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken. Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or brown rice. Top it off with whatever flavors you love most.
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead and reheat with zero complaints from anyone at the table.
• Copycat vibes: It’s like Chili’s street corn side dish turned into a satisfying full meal. Yum.

Ingredients for Four (or more!) Hearty Bowls:

Chicken:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Corn:

• 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
• 1 tsp olive oil or butter (for charring)

Rice:

• 2 cups uncooked white or jasmine rice (yields about 6 cups cooked)
• Optional: squeeze of lime, pinch of salt, drizzle of olive oil

Crema Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• Juice of 1 lime (plus zest, if desired)
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: 1 T mayonnaise for extra richness

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta or parmesan for a copycat street corn twist)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or green onions
• Optional: diced jalapeño, avocado slices, black beans, or crushed tortilla chips

How to Make a Street Corn Bowl

1. Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, sear it in a hot skillet with a splash of oil for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let it rest before slicing. Alternatively, you can grill or bake it if that’s easier for you.

2. Char the Corn
In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add the corn along with a teaspoon of oil. Let it sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes so it gets those beautiful browned bits. This step is key—it’s what gives your Mexican street corn bowl its signature smoky flavor.

3. Prep the Rice
Cook your rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, stir in some lime juice, zest, a pinch of kosher salt, and a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy.

4. Make the Crema
Mix together the sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and mayo (if using). You’re aiming for a creamy, slightly tangy street corn topping flavor that pulls the whole dish together.

5. Build Your Bowl
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Layer your bowl with rice, sliced chicken, charred corn, a generous drizzle of crema, cheese, and your choice of toppings. Don’t be afraid to customize it—whatever makes you happy. Bonus points if you serve it with tortilla chips on the side for scooping!

Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Bowl

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Chicken breasts are leaner but still delicious.
• Don’t skip the char—it deepens the flavor and brings out that true street corn taste.
• Add cumin to your chicken or corn for extra warmth and taco-style depth.
• Fresh cilantro and lime juice add brightness and balance the richness of the dish.

Variations

• Substitute feta cheese or parmesan if you don’t have cotija or queso fresco.
• Swap the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter, lower-carb option.
• Add black beans or red onion for more flavor and a heartier bowl.
• Turn it into tacos by wrapping the ingredients in warm tortillas instead.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with tortilla chips and an extra squeeze of lime for brightness.
• Top with more crema or your favorite hot sauce if you want a more bold/spicy flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• For best texture, store the components separately in airtight containers and make the bowls as you go.
• Reheat the rice and chicken on 50% power/heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• The crema keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days once it’s made and is great on tacos too!

Quick FAQ

What is Mexican street corn made of?

Traditionally, it’s grilled corn slathered in a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.  You might also find it called “elote.”

What is one ingredient that’s typical in Mexico to put on corn?

Surprisingly, mayonnaise is a staple! It adds creaminess and helps the seasonings and cheese stick to the corn.

What are the ingredients in Mexican street corn chips?

These chips are inspired by elote flavors. They usually contan corn, cheese powder, chili powder, lime seasoning, and sometimes a sour cream tang.

What is the sauce on Mexican street corn?

It’s crema, which is a blend of mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. This classic street corn topping delivers that signature flavor punch and is a big part of the “street corn” experience!

Is chicken and rice a healthy diet?

Yes! Chicken and rice form a solid base for a balanced meal—especially when combined with vegetables and a protein-packed crema like in this bowl.

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is everything I love in one dish—cozy, satisfying, slightly spicy, and really customizable for larger groups or family dinners. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Chili’s roasted street corn recipe or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this is a recipe to add in and see how it’s received.

Trust me—this one’s going to be a household favorite. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly flexible!