Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 1 teaspoon chili powder.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.; 1/2 teaspoon cumin.; 2 cups corn kernels.; 1 tablespoon butter.; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise.; 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese.; 1 cup rice.; 2 cups water or broth.; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for dressing).; 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided.; Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish.

A close-up view of grilled chicken pieces atop a bed of rice, garnished with corn, green onions, and a wedge of lime. | recipesbyclare.com

I created this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl after falling in love with elote from my favorite food truck. The combination of smoky grilled chicken creamy street corn and zesty lime rice brings all those amazing Mexican street food flavors right to your kitchen.

What Makes This Bowl Special

Every bite is an adventure through flavors and textures. The tender chicken soaks up all those spices while the street corn adds that perfect creamy tangy pop. I love how everything comes together in one satisfying bowl.

Everything You Need

Chicken: Gets so flavorful with our spice blend.
Corn: The star of the show trust me.
Rice: Perfect for soaking up all the goodness.
Dressing: Brings everything together beautifully.

Let's Start With The Chicken

Give those chicken breasts a good massage with our spice mix. The longer they marinate the better they'll taste. Even 15 minutes makes a difference.

A close-up of grilled chicken slices on a bed of rice, topped with corn, cilantro, and a drizzle of sauce, garnished with lime wedges. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Rice Every Time

Rinsing the rice makes such a difference. I like using chicken broth instead of water adds so much flavor. That squeeze of lime at the end brightens everything up.

That Amazing Street Corn

Getting those kernels slightly charred is key gives them such great flavor. Then we coat them in that creamy tangy sauce it's absolutely addictive.

Make It Saucy

The dressing pulls everything together. I sometimes make extra because everyone always wants more. It's great on salads too.

Grill That Chicken

Keep an eye on your chicken while grilling. You want it cooked through but still juicy. That rest time after cooking is so important.

Build Your Bowl

Start with that lime rice add your chicken and pile on the street corn. A generous drizzle of sauce and you're ready for the best bite ever.

A close-up of grilled chicken pieces topped with corn and cilantro, served over rice with lime wedges in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add black beans or avocado. My kids love it with extra cheese. You can really customize these bowls to make everyone happy.

Pro Tips

Fresh corn makes all the difference but frozen works in a pinch. And don't skip resting your chicken it keeps all those juices locked in.

Save Some For Later

These bowls keep well in the fridge. Just store everything separately and assemble when you're ready to eat. The flavors get even better overnight.

Perfect Pairings

We love these bowls with chips and guac on the side. A cold horchata or lime agua fresca makes it feel like a real street food experience.

Common Questions

Yes frozen corn works fine just cook it until you get some nice charring. No cotija? Feta or parmesan are great swaps. Need it dairy free? Skip the cheese and use vegan mayo.

A bowl of rice topped with grilled chicken, corn, and fresh herbs, garnished with a lime wedge. | recipesbyclare.com

Take It Up a Notch

Try adding a fried egg on top or some fresh pico de gallo. That runny yolk with the street corn is absolutely amazing.

Crowd Favorite

Every time I make these bowls for friends they beg for the recipe. It's that perfect mix of familiar and exciting flavors that everyone loves.

Good For You Too

This bowl gives you protein from the chicken fiber from the corn and good carbs from the rice. Plus all those spices have amazing health benefits.

Meal Prep Magic

I often prep all the components on Sunday for easy lunches all week. Just keep everything separate and assemble when you're ready to eat.

Street Food Vibes

These bowls bring back memories of amazing Mexican street food. They're a delicious way to enjoy those flavors in a filling satisfying meal.

A close-up of a bowl containing grilled chicken pieces garnished with corn, cilantro, and lime, served over a bed of rice. | recipesbyclare.com

Worth the Effort

While there are a few steps to making these bowls the result is so worth it. It's a restaurant quality meal you can easily make at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen corn?: Yes, frozen corn works well. Just cook it a bit longer to get some char marks and ensure any excess moisture evaporates.
→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?: Feta cheese makes a good substitute as it has a similar salty, crumbly texture. Parmesan can also work in a pinch.
→ Can I meal prep this recipe?: Yes, prepare components separately and store in containers. Keep the dressing separate and assemble when ready to eat.
→ Can I use a different protein?: This recipe works well with shrimp, steak, or even tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
→ Is there a lighter version of the dressing?: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

Mexican Street Corn Bowl