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🌽 Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
📝 Introduction
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are a bold, flavor-packed mashup of Mexican street corn (Elote), juicy seasoned chicken, and fluffy rice — all brought together in a satisfying, colorful bowl. Think smoky, creamy, zesty, and a little spicy. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or Taco Tuesday with a twist!
📜 The History of Ingredients
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): A beloved street food staple in Mexico, Elote is typically grilled corn slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
- Chicken: A versatile protein that soaks up spices like cumin, chili, and paprika beautifully — often found in many Latin American dishes.
- Rice: Common across Latin cuisine, rice makes the perfect base to absorb all the saucy, savory goodness.
- Elote-style toppings: Cotija, lime, cilantro, and mayo or crema bring tang and richness that define this dish.
🍗 Ingredients Breakdown
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayo or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, hot sauce for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
- Cook the rice
Prepare your rice according to package directions. Set aside and keep warm. - Prepare the chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice or dice. - Make the street corn mix
In a bowl, mix corn with mayo (or crema), cotija cheese, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Stir until creamy and well coated. - Assemble the bowls
Divide rice into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, a generous spoonful of street corn mix, and your favorite garnishes — think cilantro, jalapeños, lime wedges, or extra cheese.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Char the corn: Searing corn in a dry skillet or grilling it brings out a smoky, authentic flavor.
- Marinate the chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate with spices and lime juice for at least 30 minutes.
- Use warm rice: The heat helps melt the cheese and slightly soften the corn mix — delicious!
🔄 Variations and Customizations
- Spicy kick: Add hot sauce, chipotle powder, or diced jalapeños.
- Protein swap: Try grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu.
- Low-carb version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a salad-style bowl.
- Add beans: Black beans or pinto beans add extra fiber and a creamy texture.
- Make it a wrap: Turn the whole bowl into a burrito or taco!
🥗 Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
- Calories: ~500–600 per serving, depending on toppings
- High in protein: Chicken offers lean protein; corn adds fiber and natural sweetness.
- Watch the fats: Mayo/crema and cheese bring richness, but can be used lightly for a lighter version.
- Boost nutrition: Add spinach, avocado, or a side of grilled veggies for extra color and vitamins.
❓ FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftovers?
Absolutely — saves time and still tastes amazing!
Is cotija necessary?
Cotija adds authentic flavor, but feta or Parmesan can work in a pinch.
How long does this keep?
Up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Keep toppings and rice separate for best texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free crema or mayo and skip the cheese (or use a plant-based alternative).
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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese crumbled
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- For Toppings optional:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Additional crumbled cotija cheese
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
- Prepare the Street Corn:
- If using fresh corn, grill the corn on the cob until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off. If using frozen or canned corn, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and crumbled cotija cheese.
- Stir in the warm corn kernels until they are evenly coated.
- Add chopped cilantro and mix well.
- Prepare the Rice:
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cilantro-lime rice among the bowls.
- Top each bowl with sliced chicken and a generous serving of the street corn mixture.
- Add any additional toppings you like, such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, extra cheese, and lime wedges.
- Serve:
- Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls warm, with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but up to 4 hours.
- Corn Preparation: If using canned corn, be sure to drain and rinse it before heating.
- Spiciness: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.