There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of smoky, zesty, and creamy flavors in a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. This vibrant dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a colorful medley of toppings inspired by classic Mexican street corn.
I first discovered this recipe on a quest to recreate one of my favorite food truck meals at home. It’s a weeknight winner—quick, family-friendly, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Let me walk you through the steps to make it your new go-to dinner.
Why You'll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Get ready to enjoy a meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and versatility. This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s a complete game-changer for your dinner routine.
First off, it’s a breeze to prepare. From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious.
It’s packed with bold, vibrant flavors. Smoky, charred corn pairs perfectly with the tangy lime crema, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice, creating a harmonious bite every time.
This bowl is highly customizable. Whether you want to swap in your favorite protein or experiment with toppings like avocado or fresh salsa, the possibilities are endless.
Lastly, it’s a one-bowl wonder. With protein, grains, and veggies all in one dish, cleanup is minimal, and your family will feel satisfied without needing extra sides.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to this dish lies in its fresh, simple ingredients that work together to create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender when cooked. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work too—just be sure not to overcook them.
Rice: Choose your favorite type of rice as the base. White rice is classic, but brown rice or even quinoa would add a hearty, nutty flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob brings an authentic, smoky flavor when grilled. However, canned or frozen corn will also work in a pinch—just be sure to give it a quick sauté for a bit of char.
Lime Crema: A simple mix of sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of garlic powder creates a tangy, creamy drizzle that ties everything together.
Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy kick. If you can’t find cotija, feta or queso fresco make excellent substitutes.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to season the chicken and give it that irresistible smoky flavor.
How to Make This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Creating these bowls is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to make them step by step.
Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. While the rice simmers, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Coat your chicken thighs with a blend of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, grill the cobs until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off. For canned or frozen corn, heat a skillet with a little olive oil and cook the corn until it’s golden and caramelized.
Whisk together the lime crema by combining sour cream, lime juice, and a dash of garlic powder. Adjust the lime juice to taste for a tangy kick.
Assemble your bowls by layering a generous serving of rice, followed by the sliced chicken, charred corn, and your favorite toppings like cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeños. Finish with a drizzle of the lime crema and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor.
This entire process should take about 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Keep the components separate for best results.
- Store the chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The lime crema can be refrigerated in a small jar for 2-3 days, but give it a quick stir before using.
- Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and assemble your bowls just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Add extra veggies like sautéed bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices to boost the nutrition.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne in the lime crema.
- For a dairy-free version, use a vegan sour cream and skip the cheese.
Feel free to experiment with these bowls to make them your own. No matter how you customize them, they’re sure to be a hit at the table!
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