Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Whenever I’m craving something with a mix of textures and a little kick, this street corn chicken rice bowl is my go-to.
It starts with tender, seasoned chicken thighs over rice, topped with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a tangy, lime-infused sauce.
Inspired by classic street corn, this bowl brings in all the essentials—roasted corn, a hint of chili, and a creamy lime sauce. I like to top it with whatever I have on hand, like avocado, black beans, or a little extra cilantro.
It’s simple to make, but always feels like the perfect meal.
The first time I made this bowl, I was inspired by my love for elote, that classic Mexican street corn with lime, chili, and cheese.
I wanted to take those same flavors and turn them into a meal that didn’t need a ton of extra sides.
Now, it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something fresh and filling, and it never disappoints!
The toppings are always the best part, too—everyone can add a little more chili, cotija, or cilantro to make it their own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best parts of street corn with tender, juicy chicken and rice—all in one bowl.
- The lime, chili powder, and Cotija cheese give it a nice balance of tang and spice.
- Super versatile—add avocado, black beans, or extra toppings to make it your own.
- It’s quick and easy to pull together, but still feels like a special, layered meal.
- Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners with minimal fuss!
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden Cutting Board
- 1 Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the Chicken
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) – can substitute with chicken breasts
- Lime juice – adds freshness; lemon juice can be used instead
- Avocado oil – substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil
- Chili powder – adds smoky flavor; paprika can be used if preferred
- Garlic powder – or fresh garlic cloves, optional, for seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- Sweet Corn kernels (grilled, if possible) – fresh or frozen
- Red onion, thinly sliced – optional, adds crunch
- Sour cream – can substitute with Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise – adds creaminess; can omit or use extra sour cream if preferred
- Cotija cheese – substitute with feta or queso fresco
- Chili powder – adds flavor to the corn mixture
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges – for extra zest
For the Rice and Assembly:
- Cooked Jasmine rice – use white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Fresh cilantro – optional, or substitute with parsley or green onions for garnish
