Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The Flavor-packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, simple, and delicious meal combining smoky grilled chicken, sweet charred corn, creamy street corn-style dressing, and fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe balances bold flavors with fresh ingredients to create a satisfying and colorful bowl that’s easy to customize and great for meal prep.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
Grains
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, a pinch
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Garnishes
- ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors before grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Corn: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh or thawed corn kernels and cook until they start to char and caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions if not already prepared. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a base of cooked rice in serving bowls. Top with grilled chicken pieces and charred corn. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top. Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. Finish with an extra squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Marinate with patience: Even a short rest allows spices to deeply flavor the chicken for better taste.
- Don’t skip charring the corn: It adds essential smoky sweetness that elevates the dish.
- Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice won’t deliver the vibrant brightness you need.
- Balance the creaminess: Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratios for either lighter or richer dressing.
- Rest grilled chicken: Letting meat rest keeps it juicy and tender after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: street corn, chicken rice bowl, grilled chicken, Mexican-style, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten free