Looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t compromise on quality? Meet your new weeknight favorite: the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. With juicy grilled chicken, smoky charred corn, fluffy rice, and a creamy zesty sauce, this one-bowl meal brings the best of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen—all in just 30 minutes.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy nights
- ✅ High in Protein & Nutrients
- ✅ Customizable for Any Diet
- ✅ Family-Friendly
- ✅ Meal-Prep Approved
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Grilled Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Street Corn
- 2 ears fresh corn (or 1½ cups frozen or canned)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp cotija cheese (or feta)
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Cilantro-Lime Rice
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Pickled red onions
- Jalapeño slices
- Extra cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Hot sauce or chipotle-lime crema
⏱️ Quick Facts
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories/Serving | 450 kcal |
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
- Bring broth or water to a boil in a pot.
- Add rice and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
🍗 Step 2: Marinate & Cook the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken with the spice mix and lime juice.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
🌽 Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn
- Grill corn until lightly charred, about 8 minutes (turn occasionally).
- Cut kernels off the cob.
- In a bowl, combine corn with mayo, sour cream, cotija, chili powder, and lime juice.
🍽️ Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice.
- Top with grilled chicken, street corn mix.
- Add your favorite toppings.
- Drizzle with crema or hot sauce.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Cooking Tips
✅ Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor – They’re juicier and more forgiving than breasts.
✅ Let Chicken Rest – After grilling, rest the chicken for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
✅ Char Corn for Flavor – Don’t skip this step—it adds that signature street-style taste.
✅ For Meal Prep – Store rice, corn, and chicken separately. Reheat and assemble fresh.
🌮 Flavor Variations & Dietary Swaps
| Variation | Substitution Idea |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Swap chicken with grilled tofu or black beans |
| Vegan | Use vegan mayo and cheese substitutes |
| Low-Carb | Replace rice with cauliflower rice |
| Spicy | Add chipotle sauce or diced jalapeños |
| Gluten-Free | All ingredients are naturally gluten-free |
🥑 How to Add a Mexican-Inspired Twist
Want that authentic taqueria flavor? Try these:
- Homemade Guacamole: Mash avocado with lime juice, garlic, salt, and red onion.
- Pickled Red Onions: Soak sliced red onion in vinegar, sugar, and salt for 30 minutes.
- Chipotle Crema: Mix sour cream, lime juice, and a spoonful of chipotle adobo sauce.
🧠 Nutritional Benefits
| Nutrient | Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
This bowl provides a balanced macro profile, excellent for those seeking a nutritious and filling meal. Substitute brown rice for added fiber.
🍴 How to Serve for Maximum Enjoyment
- Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase colors.
- Set up a DIY toppings bar when hosting guests.
- Pair with a light side like a cucumber-lime salad or sparkling agua fresca.
📦 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- ✅ Refrigerate: Store components separately for up to 4 days.
- ✅ Freezer Friendly: Chicken and rice freeze well. Corn mix should be made fresh.
- ✅ Reheat: Microwave or sauté components before serving.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, just thaw and sauté until slightly charred for a similar flavor.
How do I make it kid-friendly?
Reduce or omit the chili powder and serve toppings separately so kids can customize.
Can I cook everything in one pan?
Yes! Use a large cast-iron skillet to cook chicken, then corn, and finally warm the rice.
Is this dish good for weight loss?
Yes—lean protein, moderate carbs, and healthy fats make it ideal for balanced diets.
✨ Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant, satisfying experience that blends bold flavors with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking for one, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, delicious, and highly customizable.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to a colorful dinner that’s sure to become a new favorite.
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