Effortless Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Effortless Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect marriage of comfort and bold flavor. Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote) and packed with grilled chicken, this bowl is loaded with creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness layered over fluffy rice. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea, this one-bowl wonder is fast, satisfying, and fun to customize.

It comes together with minimal prep and delivers maximum payoff. Juicy chicken is seasoned to perfection, paired with sweet corn, cotija cheese, zesty lime, and a dash of chili. Drizzle it all with a tangy elote-style sauce and spoon it over warm rice—you’ve got an instant weeknight favorite. Add some avocado or fresh cilantro to make it your own!

---

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy flavor and fast cooking, but breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option. You can grill, pan-sear, or even air-fry your chicken based on your time and tools.

---

Ingredients for the Effortless Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn (drained)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra for serving)
• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce

---

How To Make the Effortless Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Rub the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice or dice.

Step 2: Make the Elote Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and half the cotija cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Char the Corn

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are slightly charred. This adds a toasty street corn flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Divide rice into bowls. Top with chopped chicken and charred corn. Spoon elote sauce over the top and finish with the remaining cotija cheese, cilantro, and any extras like avocado or jalapeños.

---

How to Serve and Store This Rice Bowl

Serve the rice bowls immediately while warm, with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze. It pairs wonderfully with a chilled Mexican soda or hibiscus tea.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the sauce separate until ready to reheat and serve. Reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave and add fresh toppings to revive the flavors.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! It’s a great time-saver. Just shred and season lightly before adding to the bowl.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, but you can turn up the heat with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just drain it well and try to char it in the skillet for the best flavor.

What’s a good cheese substitute for cotija?

Feta cheese works great if cotija isn’t available.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes—just check that your spices and condiments are certified gluten-free.

---

Want More Chicken Bowl Ideas?

If you’re into flavorful, no-fuss meals like this one, you’ll want to check out these other crave-worthy dishes:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for creamy indulgence.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re after a classic comfort meal.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a spicy twist on chicken bowls.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for all-in-one cheesy goodness.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you want something creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it on your busiest nights.

And if you give it a try, let me know how you liked it! Did you add avocado, go spicier, or maybe toss in some black beans?

Snap a pic and tag me, or drop a comment. I love seeing how these bowls come together in your kitchen. Questions or tweaks? Don’t be shy—join the convo!

Follow me on Pinterest for more fresh recipes every week: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?