Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Street corn chicken rice bowl with grilled chicken, rice, and creamy elote topping

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal featuring smoky charred corn, juicy grilled chicken, and fluffy rice. Inspired by Mexican street corn, it’s a creamy, tangy, and satisfying weeknight dinner ready in under 40 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh grilled, roasted, or frozen charred)

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo for traditional crema)

  • 2 tbsp lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)

  • ½ tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

  • ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta substitute)

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil


Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate 20 minutes.

  • Cook the Chicken: Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

  • Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, cook in chicken broth with a squeeze of lime.

  • Prepare the Corn: Grill or roast corn until charred. If using frozen, sauté in a skillet until lightly browned.

  • Make the Sauce: Stir Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic until creamy. Toss with the corn and fold in cotija cheese.

  • Assemble the Bowls: Add rice to each bowl, top with sliced chicken, spoon over creamy corn mixture, and garnish with cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

For a lighter version, use cauliflower rice and Greek yogurt.

Dairy-free? Swap cheese and yogurt for avocado crema or cashew cream.

Meal prep tip: Store chicken and rice separately from the corn topping to keep textures fresh.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish / Dinner
  • Method: Grilling & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: street corn chicken rice bowl, elote chicken rice, healthy rice bowls