This Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the excitement of Mexican street food to your kitchen. Tender chicken, charred corn, and a creamy, cheesy topping are layered over fluffy rice for a satisfying and easy-to-assemble meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Fun: This recipe captures the essence of Mexican street corn, with a delightful combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this bowl with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, pico de gallo, or a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, for a tender and flavorful protein source.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and a tangy flavor to the marinade.
- Avocado oil: Or any oil of your choice, for marinating the chicken.
- Chili powder and cumin powder: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder or minced garlic: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
For the Street Corn Topping:
- Sweet corn kernels: Grilled or charred for a smoky flavor. Frozen corn can be used as a substitute.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, for a bit of bite and sweetness.
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy and tangy base to the topping.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the topping.
- Cotija cheese: Crumbled, adds a salty and slightly tangy flavor.
- Chili powder: Adds a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Lime: Cut into wedges, for serving.
For the Rice and Assembly:
- Cooked rice: Use your favorite type of cooked rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Combine the lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Topping
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the street corn topping. In a bowl, combine the grilled or sauteed corn kernels, thinly sliced red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
Step 3: Reheat the Rice
Reheat the cooked rice with a splash of water in a pot or microwave until warm and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
To assemble the bowls, add a portion of the reheated rice, sliced chicken, street corn topping, extra crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro to each bowl. Garnish with lime wedges.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Char the corn: Grilling or charring the corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Use fresh lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Reheat rice with water: Adding a splash of water when reheating rice helps to keep it fluffy and prevent it from drying out.
- Adjust the spice level: Add chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper to the street corn topping for extra heat.
How to Serve

- Main Course: This Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
- Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy it for a quick and flavorful lunch or a casual dinner.
- Party Food: Serve it in smaller bowls or cups for a fun and festive appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of protein? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu.
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen corn? Yes, you can use canned corn, but make sure to drain it well before using.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the chicken or use a vegetarian alternative, such as black beans or lentils.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or the street corn topping.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minute
- Total Time: 50 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn (esquites). Tender chicken, charred corn, a creamy topping with Cotija cheese, and a hint of spice make this a satisfying and easy-to-assemble meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled or charred, if possible)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup sour cream, divided
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Rice and Assembly:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken thighs in this mixture for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Prepare Street Corn Topping: In a bowl, combine grilled corn, red onion, ½ cup sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
- Reheat Rice: Reheat cooked rice with a splash of water until warm and fluffy.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide rice among bowls. Top with sliced chicken, street corn topping, extra Cotija cheese, and cilantro. Garnish with lime wedges.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra sour cream and/or sprinkle with Tajin seasoning.
Notes
- Charred Corn: Grilling or charring the corn adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Reheating Rice: Add water when reheating rice to maintain its fluffiness.
- Spice: Add chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Topping Ideas: Consider adding diced avocado, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg