Fresh Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Dinner is the kind of colorful, flavor-packed meal that instantly brightens your table. From the first bite, you get juicy, well-seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy street corn bursting with lime and mild spice. It’s fresh, satisfying, and perfectly balanced—comforting enough for dinner, yet vibrant enough to feel special.
This bowl takes inspiration from classic Mexican-style street corn and transforms it into a wholesome, family-friendly meal. Everything comes together with simple techniques and everyday ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, flexible, and full of flavor, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe checks all the right boxes for home cooks:
- Fresh, bold flavors without being too spicy
- A complete meal in one bowl
- Easy to customize for picky eaters
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Made with simple, affordable ingredients
It’s a dinner that feels exciting but stays approachable, which is exactly why it becomes a repeat favorite.
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Street Corn
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
For the Rice Bowl
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, but chicken breast works just as well if you prefer leaner meat. Greek yogurt is a great lighter substitute for mayonnaise in the corn mixture and still keeps everything creamy. If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta provides a similar salty bite. Frozen corn is perfectly fine—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
This recipe contains no alcohol and no pork, making it naturally family-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Rice
Prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm while preparing the other components.
Step 2 – Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice until evenly coated.
Step 3 – Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4 – Prepare the Street Corn
In the same skillet, add the corn and cook over medium-high heat until lightly charred, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise or yogurt, chili powder, lime juice, and crumbled cheese.
Step 5 – Assemble the Bowls
Divide rice among bowls. Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of street corn. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime juice if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
- Use high heat briefly on corn for extra flavor
- Taste and adjust lime and seasoning before serving
- Prep components ahead for faster assembly
- Keep toppings simple to let flavors shine
Flavor Variations
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- Stir black beans into the rice for more protein
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky twist
- Add mild salsa for extra freshness
Serving Suggestions
This bowl is filling on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad, sliced cucumbers, or warm flatbread. It also works beautifully as a build-your-own bowl setup for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep rice, chicken, and corn separate for best texture. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy corn mixture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 540 | 38 g | 48 g | 22 g | 4 g | 620 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Fresh Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Dinner
Equipment
- large skillet
- mixing bowl
- measuring spoons
- rice cooker or saucepan
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (for corn)
- 1/2 lime, juiced (for corn)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Toss the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest briefly, then slice.
- In the same skillet, cook corn over medium-high heat until lightly charred. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise or yogurt, chili powder, lime juice, and cheese.
- Divide rice into bowls and top with sliced chicken and street corn. Garnish with cilantro and extra lime if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ About Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild warmth but is not spicy. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply season lightly and warm before serving.
What rice works best?
White rice, brown rice, or even cilantro-lime rice all work well in this bowl.
Can this be made ahead?
Yes. Prep all components ahead and assemble just before serving for best freshness.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores well and reheats nicely, making it ideal for lunches.
Final Thoughts
Fresh Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Dinner brings together everything you want in a weeknight meal—fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and simple preparation. It’s colorful, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, making it a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table.
