Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavor-Packed, Mexican-Inspired Dinner

If you’re looking for a meal that is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, look no further than the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! This dish combines juicy, marinated grilled chicken with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy street corn salad, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked rice. It’s an easy-to-make, Mexican-inspired meal that’s perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or weeknight dinners.

This recipe is not only packed with protein and fiber, but it’s also completely customizable! You can add your favorite toppings like black beans, avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream to create a bowl that suits your taste. Plus, the combination of smoky grilled corn, zesty lime, and creamy cheese makes every bite absolutely delicious.

In this post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to make the best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl at home. We’ll also share tips, variations, and frequently asked questions to help you perfect this dish. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl ❤️

✔ Packed with flavor – The combination of smoky grilled chicken, creamy street corn salad, and fresh toppings makes this bowl irresistible.
✔ Healthy & balanced – Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is both delicious and nourishing.
✔ Easy to make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a quick cooking process make this an ideal weeknight meal.
✔ Great for meal prep – Make extra and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
✔ Customizable – Switch up the toppings, use different proteins, or make it vegetarian to suit your dietary needs.

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Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, restaurant-quality bowl at home:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Juicy, tender, and packed with protein.
• 1 batch chicken marinade – A flavorful mix of seasonings, oil, and lime juice to enhance the chicken.

For the Mexican Street Corn Salad:

• 2 cups grilled corn (approx. 3–4 cobs) – Slightly charred for a smoky, sweet flavor.
• 1/3 cup mayo – Adds creaminess and richness.
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled – Tangy and salty, this complements the sweetness of the corn.
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• 1–2 tablespoons lime juice – Enhances the flavor with a bright, zesty kick.
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced – For a delicious depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – Adds mild heat and smokiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika – Enhances the color and smoky taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper – For a touch of spice.
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced – Adds a subtle bite and crunch.
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled – Another salty, creamy cheese option (or use extra feta).

For the Rice Bowl Base & Toppings:

• 4 cups cooked rice – Choose white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Black beans – Adds protein and fiber.
• Cherry tomatoes, halved – Provides freshness and sweetness.
• Jalapeño slices – Adds a spicy kick.
• Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens up all the flavors.
• Additional fresh cilantro leaves – Perfect for garnish.
• Sour cream – For an extra creamy touch.
• 1–2 avocados, sliced – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.

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How to Make a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl 🥗

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade – In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for your chicken marinade (a combination of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper).
2. Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts in a glass dish, pour the marinade over them, and ensure they are fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour for deeper flavor).
3. Grill the Chicken –
   • Heat your grill to medium heat (400-450°F).
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off.
   • Place the chicken on direct heat and grill for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • Move the chicken to indirect heat and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
   • Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into cubes or strips.

Pro Tip: Letting the chicken rest helps the juices redistribute, making it extra juicy and tender!

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Step 2: Prepare the Mexican Street Corn Salad

1. Grill the Corn –
   • Preheat the grill to 450°F.
   • Lightly coat the shucked corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
   • Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
   • Let cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.
2. Mix the Salad – In a large bowl, combine:
   • Grilled corn
   • Mayo
   • Feta and cotija cheese
   • Chopped cilantro
   • Lime juice
   • Minced garlic
   • Chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
   • Diced red onion
3. Taste and Adjust – Add more lime juice, cheese, or chili powder based on your preference.

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Step 3: Assemble Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

1. Start with the Base – Divide cooked rice into four bowls.
2. Add the Chicken – Place grilled, sliced chicken over the rice.
3. Top with Street Corn Salad – Spoon generous amounts of street corn salad over the chicken.
4. Customize with Toppings – Add black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and sour cream as desired.
5. Finish with a Squeeze of Lime – Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

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Variations & Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Swap chicken for grilled tofu or extra black beans.
• Use a different protein – Try grilled shrimp, steak, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Swap the cheese – If you can’t find cotija, use Parmesan or extra feta.
• Add extra heat – Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

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Print

Why This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a Must-Try

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the ultimate blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors, all in one satisfying dish. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and completely customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it fresh off the grill, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

So, fire up the grill and give this Mexican-inspired bowl a try. You won’t regret it!