Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Bold, Fresh, and Balanced

Inspired by the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender grilled chicken, sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy cheese over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s everything you love about elote—transformed into a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Vibrant, satisfying, and easy to customize, this bowl is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Flavor – Tangy, creamy, smoky, and spicy in every bite.
Balanced Meal – Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and veggies.
Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Easily adjusted to suit your taste and nutrition goals.

Ingredients

For the Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp olive oil

For the Street Corn Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or reduced-fat feta cheese
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Diced avocado
  • Pickled red onions
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Hot sauce or salsa

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
Rub the chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then dice or shred.

2. Prepare the Street Corn Topping
In a bowl, combine corn, light mayo or yogurt, lime juice, paprika, and cheese. Stir until creamy and well coated. Add cilantro if desired.

3. Assemble the Bowl
Divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with chicken, a generous spoonful of street corn mixture, and your choice of optional add-ins.

4. Serve
Garnish with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of paprika or cheese. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 360
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

  • Char the Corn: Sauté corn in a hot skillet for a few minutes to add smoky flavor.
  • Make it Lighter: Use cauliflower rice and Greek yogurt for a lower-carb, higher-protein version.
  • Prep Ahead: Store components separately in the fridge and assemble just before eating.
  • Spice it Up: Add chipotle powder or hot sauce for extra heat.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish brings the bold, creamy, tangy flavors of elote to your plate in a wholesome, balanced meal. With lean chicken, hearty grains, and a creamy-yet-light topping, it hits all the right notes—comforting yet fresh, satisfying yet mindful.

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home—without extra calories or effort. It’s nourishing, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to your taste and goals. Whether for a weeknight dinner or your next meal prep plan, this bowl delivers every time.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Bold, Fresh, and Balanced

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

360

kcal
Total time

35

minutes

Inspired by the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender grilled chicken, sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy cheese over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s everything you love about elote—transformed into a wholesome, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Vibrant, satisfying, and easy to customize, this bowl is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Ingredients

  • For the Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option)

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • For the Street Corn Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or reduced-fat feta cheese

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

  • Optional Add-ins:

  • Diced avocado

  • Pickled red onions

  • Jalapeño slices

  • Hot sauce or salsa

Instructions

  • Cook the Chicken
    Rub the chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then dice or shred.
  • Prepare the Street Corn Topping
    In a bowl, combine corn, light mayo or yogurt, lime juice, paprika, and cheese. Stir until creamy and well coated. Add cilantro if desired.
  • Assemble the Bowl
    Divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with chicken, a generous spoonful of street corn mixture, and your choice of optional add-ins.
  • Serve
    Garnish with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of paprika or cheese. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Char the Corn: Sauté corn in a hot skillet for a few minutes to add smoky flavor.
    Make it Lighter: Use cauliflower rice and Greek yogurt for a lower-carb, higher-protein version.
    Prep Ahead: Store components separately in the fridge and assemble just before eating.
    Spice it Up: Add chipotle powder or hot sauce for extra heat.

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