Bring the bold, crave-worthy flavors of your favorite street food into your kitchen with this Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Inspired by Mexican-style street corn, this rice bowl combines smoky grilled chicken, charred sweet corn, zesty lime, and a creamy chili-lime sauce for a vibrant one-bowl meal that hits every flavor note. It’s fast, fresh, and loaded with textures and spices, making it the perfect choice for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe is a one-bowl masterpiece. It brings together protein, carbs, veggies, and creamy, tangy flavor in a single dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping lunches for the week, this bowl has everything you need:
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Bold street corn flavor
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Juicy grilled chicken
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Easy to customize
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Great for leftovers or meal prep
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Ready in under 40 minutes
Ingredients for the Ultimate Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Juice of 1 lime
For the Corn Mixture:
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2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
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1 tablespoon butter
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
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2 cups cooked white or brown rice
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½ teaspoon lime zest
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
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Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
Optional Toppings:
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Crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
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Chopped cilantro
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Sliced jalapeños
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Diced avocado or guacamole
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Extra lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken
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In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat chicken in marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
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Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked.
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Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
2. Prepare the Street Corn
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred (5–7 minutes).
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Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the Creamy Chili-Lime Sauce
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In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and hot sauce (if using).
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Whisk until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Flavor the Rice
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Add lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to cooked rice.
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Toss with a pinch of salt and fluff with a fork.
5. Assemble Your Rice Bowls
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In each bowl, layer a generous scoop of lime-cilantro rice.
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Top with grilled chicken, charred corn, and a spoonful of creamy sauce.
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Garnish with Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños.
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Drizzle extra lime juice on top for a fresh finish.
Expert Tips for Maximum Flavor
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Char the corn for authentic street corn flavor—don’t skip this step!
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Use smoked paprika for added depth and BBQ-like smokiness.
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Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for juicier, more flavorful meat.
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Make it a burrito bowl by adding black beans or sautéed peppers.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ins
This bowl is endlessly customizable:
Vegetarian Version:
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Skip the chicken and add grilled zucchini, portobello mushrooms, or black beans.
Spicy Kick:
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Use a chipotle-lime mayo or add pickled jalapeños.
Low-Carb Option:
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Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly bowl.
Add Crunch:
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Top with toasted pepitas, crushed tortilla chips, or crispy onions.
Meal Prep and Storage
This bowl is perfect for make-ahead meals:
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Store components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Assemble bowls before serving or pack them for lunch.
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Reheat rice and chicken, then top with fresh sauce and garnishes.
Why This Recipe Works
Every component of this recipe contributes to its standout flavor. The smoky spices on the chicken, the tangy, zesty rice, and the sweet-charred corn all come together under the creamy drizzle of garlic-lime sauce. The balance of texture and taste keeps every bite exciting.
It’s a nutrition-packed, flavor-forward meal you’ll crave again and again—healthy enough for everyday eating but indulgent enough to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Conclusion
The Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into a celebration of flavor. It’s quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and fully customizable for every palate. Whether you're meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
