Savor the flavor of summer with this vibrant Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—all the tastes of the season in one satisfying dish! If you’re craving a lively dinner that marries the smoky, savory fusion of grilled chicken, charred corn, and zesty lime atop a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, you’re in the right place. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and flair, bringing the fun of street food right into your kitchen. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, a quick 20-minute cook time, and a brief 5-minute rest before serving, you’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 45 minutes.
This intermediate-level dish clocks in around 600 calories per serving and offers a burst of textures and tastes: tender chicken strips dusted with aromatic spices, sweet corn kissed by heat, and a creamy mayonnaise-sour cream drizzle that ties everything together. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for busy days ahead, this Rice Bowl adapts beautifully to both lunch and dinner occasions. The lively contrast between the smoky paprika, the bright squeeze of lime, and the fresh cilantro garnish transforms every bite into a mini celebration of summer’s bounty.
There’s something undeniably fun about building your own bowl—and even more fun sharing that experience with friends or family. As you assemble layers of soft jasmine rice, juicy grilled chicken, and golden corn, you’ll find yourself smiling at the vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas swirling around you. This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavorful conversation starter. I still remember my first taste: the way the cotija cheese crumbled over warm ingredients, the tang of mayo mixed with sour cream, and that subtle kick from optional jalapeños or hot sauce. Trust me, this bowl will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL
Before diving into cooking, let’s get to know the heroes of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a unique role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating that perfect harmony you crave in a satisfying rice bowl. From the foundation of jasmine rice to the finishing flourish of fresh cilantro, here’s what you’ll need:
- Jasmine rice
A fragrant, slightly sticky rice that creates a soft, fluffy base for the bowl. Its delicate floral notes perfectly absorb the juices and dressings from the toppings.
- Chicken breasts
Lean, protein-rich chicken that’s seasoned generously and grilled to juicy perfection. Slicing them into strips makes every bite tender and easy to combine with other ingredients.
- Olive oil
Used to bind and enhance the spice rub on the chicken, it adds a fruity richness while helping to achieve a golden sear on your grill.
- Paprika
Provides a sweet smokiness that pairs beautifully with charred corn and grilled meat, lending depth and color to the chicken rub.
- Garlic powder
Delivers an unmistakable savory punch without overpowering, highlighting the natural flavors in both chicken and corn.
- Onion powder
Adds subtle sweetness and umami, rounding out the spice blend with aromatic warmth.
- Chili powder
Introduces just enough heat and complexity to elevate the overall flavor without stealing the spotlight.
- Salt and pepper
Fundamental seasonings that ensure each element—from rice to chicken to corn—tastes vivid and balanced.
- Corn
Sweet kernels that, when charred, develop hints of smokiness and caramelized edges—just like authentic street corn.
- Butter
Enriches the corn with creamy flavor and helps achieve those irresistible golden-brown spots in the skillet.
- Mayonnaise
Creates the creamy base of the sauce, offering a tangy cushion for the zesty ingredients to shine.
- Sour cream
Brightens up the mayo with acidity and adds a silky texture to the drizzled sauce.
- Cotija cheese
A crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that mimics the classic elote topping, providing bursts of savory goodness in every bite.
- Lime
Fresh wedges for squeezing, releasing vibrant citrus notes that cut through the creaminess and refresh the palate.
- Cilantro
Chopped and sprinkled at the end, it delivers a fresh herbal finish that lifts and balances the bowl.
- Jalapeño (optional)
Thin slices for those who crave an extra spicy kick and crunchy texture.
- Hot sauce (optional)
A dash or two to dial up the heat, letting each person customize the spice level.
HOW TO MAKE STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s talk about how easy it is to bring this recipe together. You’ll be grilling and charring, stirring up a creamy sauce, then assembling a stunning bowl that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Follow these detailed steps, and before you know it, you’ll be diving into layers of juicy grilled chicken, charred corn, and tangy toppings.
1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. This temperature is crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks on the chicken without drying it out.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or small whisk to blend until smooth, then rub the spice mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts, coating every inch.
3. Place the seasoned chicken onto the hot grill. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 6–7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this step locks in the juices before you slice.
4. While the chicken rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is fully melted and foamy, add the frozen corn. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels develop a slight char. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In another small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This simple sauce brings a luscious, tangy layer to your bowl.
6. Divide the cooked jasmine rice into serving bowls. Arrange sliced chicken strips and charred corn on top. Add a generous dollop of the mayonnaise-sour cream sauce, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a shower of fresh cilantro.
7. For an extra punch of heat, add sliced jalapeños and a few dashes of hot sauce on top. Adjust to taste—you’re the boss of spice!
8. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side, so everyone can customize their citrus kick.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL
Bringing this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to the table is half the fun, and how you serve it can turn a simple meal into a festive feast. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, these serving ideas will help you present your bowls like a pro. Each suggestion highlights a way to elevate textures, flavors, and visual appeal, making every bite feel fresh and exciting.
- Family-Style Spread
Set out individual bowls of rice, grilled chicken, charred corn, and sauce for a DIY assembly line. Guests can customize their bowls with extra cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges, turning dinner into an interactive event.
- Colorful Platter Presentation
Lay the rice in the center of a large platter and fan out sliced chicken around it. Spoon corn and drizzle the creamy sauce in alternating sections, then top with colorful jalapeño rings and lime wedges for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy display.
- Meal-Prep Mason Jars
For grab-and-go lunches, layer ingredients in glass jars: rice at the bottom, chicken next, corn and cheese in the middle, and sauce in a sealed container at the top. When you’re ready to eat, just shake to mix and add fresh cilantro.
- Street Food Vibe
Serve taco-style by placing small tortillas alongside bowls of prepared toppings. Guests can spoon chicken and corn into tortillas, add sauce, then sprinkle with cotija and cilantro for a handheld twist on the rice bowl.
HOW TO STORE STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL
If you find yourself with leftovers—or if you’re planning ahead for meal prep—storing each component properly will help maintain that fresh, vibrant flavor. The key is to keep wet and dry elements separate to prevent the rice and chicken from becoming soggy. Follow these guidelines to preserve taste and texture, whether you’re refrigerating for a few days or freezing for longer-term storage.
- Refrigerator Storage
Transfer cooled ingredients into airtight containers. Store rice in one container, chicken strips in another, and corn in a third. Keep the mayo-sour cream sauce in a small sealed jar. This method lets you quickly assemble fresh bowls within three to four days.
- Freezer-Friendly Portions
For longer storage, place rice and chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Flash-freeze chicken strips on a tray first, then transfer to bags to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to two months, leaving the sauce and fresh toppings for later.
- Separate Sauce Storage
Always store the mayonnaise mixture separately in a small airtight container to avoid curdling or separation. Bring it to room temperature and whisk before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
- Reheating Tips
Gently reheat rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. Warm the corn in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh cilantro, cheese, and sauce after reheating to keep flavors bright.
CONCLUSION
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings a burst of summer into your kitchen, combining the best of grilled chicken, charred corn, and zesty accents atop fluffy jasmine rice. Throughout this article, we’ve covered everything from key ingredients and global cooking tips to creative serving ideas and proper storage methods. You’ve learned how to craft a well-balanced spice rub, achieve the perfect char on your corn, whip up a creamy mayo-sour cream drizzle, and assemble a picture-perfect bowl. With an estimated total time of under 45 minutes and a manageable intermediate difficulty level, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prep sessions.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later so you can revisit these instructions again and again. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section just below, where you can dive deeper into common questions about ingredient substitutions, spice adjustments, and more kitchen hacks. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop your comments, questions, or feedback below. Your tips or twists on the recipe might just inspire fellow home cooks to experiment and make this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl their new favorite summer staple. Happy cooking!
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Description
Experience the smoky, savory fusion of grilled chicken, charred corn, and zesty lime nestled atop fluffy jasmine rice. Each bite bursts with fresh flavors that celebrate street food with a home-cooked twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
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Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
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In a skillet over medium heat, add butter. Once melted, add the frozen corn and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat.
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In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream.
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Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, charred corn, a dollop of the mayonnaise mixture, crumbled cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
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Add sliced jalapeños and a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick, if desired.
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Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.
Note
- Cotija cheese adds a traditional street corn flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with feta cheese.
- Grilling the corn directly on a grill can add more smokiness to the dish.
- This dish can be prepared with other types of rice like brown or basmati, according to preference.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter, mayonnaise, and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives.
- This recipe is great for meal prep. Simply store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
