Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
If you love meals that are hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Inspired by the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn (elote), this recipe combines tender chicken, charred corn, creamy lime-chili sauce, and fresh cilantro all layered over wholesome brown rice.
It’s a vibrant, nourishing dish that works equally well for a weeknight family dinner or as a make-ahead meal prep option. With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fresh toppings, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl doesn’t just look amazing—it delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare four hearty bowls:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 small red onion, diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the rice
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 8–10 minutes until browned on the outside and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Add the corn and diced red onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the corn is slightly charred, bringing out its natural sweetness.
Step 4: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. This zesty, creamy sauce ties the whole dish together.
Step 5: Assemble the bowls
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the chicken and corn mixture, then drizzle with the lime-chili sauce. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
About the Recipe
Inspired by Mexican street corn
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl takes its inspiration from elote, a beloved Mexican street food where grilled corn is coated in a creamy, tangy sauce and topped with chili powder and fresh herbs. This bowl takes those bold flavors and makes them into a balanced, protein-packed meal with chicken and rice.
Helpful tips
- Use fresh corn if possible – It gives a natural sweetness and chars beautifully. In the off-season, frozen corn works well too.
- Swap the rice – Brown rice is wholesome and filling, but you can substitute with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety.
- Adjust the spice – If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use chipotle chili powder in the sauce.
Variations
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Mix in avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess.
- Sprinkle cotija or feta cheese on top to mimic the classic elote flavor even more.
Serving suggestions
This dish is complete on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette.
- Warm tortillas on the side.
- Roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients.
Nutrition insights
Each serving of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl provides about 550 calories with 36 grams of protein, 64 grams of complex carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat. Thanks to the brown rice and vegetables, it’s also high in fiber, making it a filling and balanced option.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect combination of comfort and freshness. With juicy chicken, sweet charred corn, hearty brown rice, and a creamy, zesty sauce, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner to friends, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Give it a try, customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a flavor-packed bowl that celebrates the vibrant taste of Mexican street food in every bite.
