Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavor-Packed Bowl You’ll Crave All Week

If you’re hunting for the perfect combo of comfort food and zesty flair, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl delivers big. Packed with juicy grilled chicken, charred corn, creamy lime crema, and vibrant toppings, it’s a weeknight dinner win and a top contender for meal prep. Whether you’re making it for dinner or meal prep, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must-try that brings Mexican-inspired comfort right to your kitchen. We’ll cover every angle from prep and rice choices to spice tweaks and answer common questions like whether frozen corn works just as well. Let’s dig in.

Why I Make This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl on Repeat

From Sunday Cookouts to Weeknight Winners with the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Growing up in Texas, grilled corn was a cookout staple. My dad would char it until kernels popped, and we’d slather it in butter and chili powder before anyone called it “street corn.” Fast forward a few decades, and I’m still chasing that smoky, savory flavor but now I build it into full meals like this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. I first made this dish after a long day of filming recipe tests when I had leftover grilled chicken, half a can of black beans, and some corn to use up. That first version of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl came together by chance, but now it’s a regular feature in my house.

There’s something about layering hot, seasoned ingredients over fluffy rice that just feels like a meal made with intention. If you loved our BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls this one will be a welcome addition to your rotation.

What Makes This Bowl Stand Out

Unlike other grain bowls that lean on just greens or heavy sauces, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl strikes a balance: the spice-rubbed chicken offers boldness, the charred corn brings texture, and the lime crema adds tang. It’s a high-protein, fiber-rich bowl that doesn’t taste like “health food.” Whether you go with brown rice, white rice, or a tangy cilantro-lime option, you’ve got flexibility.

It’s earned a top spot in my meal prep lineup, second only to my Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack. I make a double batch and portion it out for busy weeks. Toss in some jalapeños or chipotle powder if you like it hot, or keep it mild for the whole family.

Perfect for Meal Prep, Flexible with Rice

Why This Bowl Is Meal Prep Gold

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just a one-night dinner—it’s a full-on meal prep MVP. Every component stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. I recommend storing the crema and fresh toppings separately, then assembling the bowl when you’re ready to eat. That way, your rice doesn’t get soggy and your veggies stay crisp.

Want to save even more time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftovers from something like these flavorful Chicken Drumsticks. You can even go bolder with a spoonful of Smoked Queso stirred into the rice for a creamy, spicy upgrade.

Picking the Best Rice: White, Brown, or Cilantro-Lime?

Rice sets the tone for the entire Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl experience. White rice offers fluffiness, brown rice brings fiber and chew, and cilantro-lime rice adds bold, herby flavor. No matter your preference, choosing the right rice base elevates the dish.

If you’re prepping ahead, brown rice is the most forgiving and holds up well in the fridge. For fresh bowls served immediately, jasmine white rice is unbeatable. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice for a zesty upgrade that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Seasoning for Corn:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lime Crema:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Char the Corn
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté corn for 3–4 minutes, stirring until lightly charred. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Lime Crema
   In a small bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Cook the Chicken (if not using pre-cooked)
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Grill or pan-cook for 5–7 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice.
4. Assemble the Bowl
   Layer rice, chicken, corn, beans, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl. Top with cotija cheese.
5. Garnish & Serve
   Drizzle with crema, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and enjoy!

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavor-Packed Bowl You’ll Crave All Week

---

• Author: Carry
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 bowls 1x

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is loaded with flavor—grilled chicken, charred corn, black beans, and a creamy lime crema make it perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)

2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed

¼ cup diced red onion

¼ cup diced tomatoes

¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cumin

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Juice of 1 lime

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp salt

---

Instructions

1. Heat skillet and char corn with olive oil and spices.

2. In a bowl, combine sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Season and grill chicken until cooked, then slice.

4. Layer rice, chicken, corn, beans, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl.

5. Top with crema, cotija, and cilantro. Serve or store.

Notes

For added heat, use chipotle powder or hot sauce. Can be stored up to 4 days in airtight containers.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner, Bowls, Meal Prep
• Method: Grilling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, meal prep chicken bowls, grilled chicken bowl

Amp Up the Flavor – Spice Levels & Topping Twists

How to Make It Spicier (Without Overdoing It)

The great thing about this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is that it plays nice with heat whether you’re spice-shy or a full-on fire lover. If you want a mild kick, adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne to the corn does the job. Prefer something bolder? A diced chipotle pepper in adobo stirred into the crema gives you smoky heat with a creamy finish. You can also sub in hot sauce or sprinkle Tajín for a citrusy chili bite.

Personally, I love layering flavors, so I’ll sometimes throw in thin-sliced jalapeños or roasted poblanos over the top for texture and spice. It’s the same heat-building technique I use in my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole big flavor without overwhelming your taste buds. And for serious spice heads, don’t sleep on swapping regular chili powder with ancho or chipotle for deeper, richer flavor.

Crunch, Cream, and Color: Your Ultimate Topping Guide

Toppings are where this bowl comes alive. The original combo of cotija cheese, red onion, and lime crema gives you salty, sharp, and cool all in one bite. But why stop there?

Here are a few other topping ideas:

• Sliced avocado or a dollop of guac for creaminess
• Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
• Fresh corn salsa or pico de gallo for brightness
• Pickled onions or radishes for zing

This is also where you can borrow tricks from other crowd-pleasers like the Salmon Crispy Rice Bowl try layering in a crispy rice base by frying your cooked rice briefly in a hot skillet before assembling.

Mix, match, and stack your favorite toppings. This bowl is meant to be built your way.

Make It Yours with Easy Ingredient Swaps

One of the best things about this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is how forgiving it is. If you’re out of one ingredient, chances are you already have a great substitute on hand. No cotija? Crumbled feta gives a similar salty bite. Want to skip the chicken? Roasted sweet potatoes, blackened tofu, or even leftover pulled pork all work beautifully.

You can also swap the base entirely. Instead of rice, try quinoa, riced cauliflower, or couscous for a twist. For flavor inspiration, think about builds like the Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack, where layers of fresh, tangy, and savory create a dynamic bite every time.

Toppings are where this bowl really becomes your own. Add sliced avocado for creaminess, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, or even hot pickled jalapeños if you like some heat. Trust your taste buds it’s hard to go wrong here.

Serving Tips That Keep It Fresh Every Time

This bowl is best served slightly warm, just enough to bring out the chicken’s flavor and melt the crema into a perfect drizzle. When prepping ahead, store the rice and proteins together, but keep cold ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and crema separate until serving. That way, everything stays crisp and fresh.

Reheat gently in the microwave and then assemble. A squeeze of fresh lime at the end ties it all together. If you loved the balance in the Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls, you’ll appreciate how much a little citrus can elevate the whole dish.

Conclusion: A Bowl Built for Real Life

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl isn’t just another recipe it’s a flexible, flavor-packed meal that fits right into busy lives. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something bold and satisfying, this bowl delivers every time. The smoky corn, juicy grilled chicken, zesty lime crema, and fresh toppings come together in a way that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

It’s easy to customize, fast to prep, and most importantly fun to eat. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you add extra spice, switch up the rice, or throw in new toppings, it’s all about building a bowl that works for you.

If this recipe hits the spot, be sure to check out other bowl favorites like the BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls . They’re just as easy, just as satisfying, and just waiting to earn a spot in your weekly rotation.

Let’s cook something great again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)