Street Corn Bowl

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Hey friend! You HAVE to try this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl - it's a total game-changer for dinner! Just look at those juicy spiced chicken pieces with that gorgeous reddish-orange color against the bright yellow corn. The creamy sauce drizzled on top adds the perfect tangy richness, and the fresh cilantro brings everything together. It's seriously restaurant-quality but so easy to make at home. The flavors are insanely good - that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory. Perfect for meal prep too! You're going to be obsessed!

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Updated on Fri, 16 May 2025 18:58:29 GMT
Delicious spiced chicken and corn bowl with creamy sauce and fresh herbs pin it
Delicious spiced chicken and corn bowl with creamy sauce and fresh herbs | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe during a cooking class focused on modern Mexican cuisine. The instructor showed us how to balance the spicy chicken with the sweetness of corn, and I was immediately hooked. When I first made it at home, the aromas filling my kitchen took me right back to the vibrant street food markets I'd visited in Mexico City. The recipe quickly became my go-to when I'm craving something colorful and flavorful but don't want to spend hours cooking. I love how the spiced chicken gets slightly charred edges while staying juicy inside, and how the creamy sauce brings everything together. What started as a cooking class experiment has become one of my most requested dishes when friends come over.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl because it brings together so many incredible flavors and textures in one satisfying dish. The contrast between the spicy, slightly smoky chicken and the sweet pops of corn creates this perfect balance that keeps every bite interesting. What really makes me come back to this recipe again and again is how versatile it is - I can prep all the components ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners, or serve it family-style for casual entertaining. It's also one of those rare recipes that's both healthy and utterly crave-worthy! The protein from the chicken keeps me full, while the fresh cilantro and zingy lime crema make the whole dish feel bright and fresh. Plus, everyone I've ever made it for absolutely raves about it - there's something universally appealing about these flavors coming together in one bowl.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Chicken: Cut into even-sized chunks for consistent cooking
  • Corn: Fresh or frozen both work well; if using frozen, no need to thaw
  • Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice provides the best texture and aroma
  • Lime Crema: Combines sour cream, mayo, lime juice and zest for tanginess
  • Cilantro: Adds fresh herbal notes and color contrast
  • Taco Seasoning: Provides the signature spicy flavor to the chicken

Let's Make These Together

Season the protein
Toss chicken pieces with olive oil and taco seasoning until evenly coated. This step is crucial for developing those beautiful reddish-orange spiced pieces you see in the photo.
Create dimension with heat
Cook the chicken in a hot skillet without stirring too frequently to develop those gorgeous charred edges while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Layer thoughtfully
Start with fluffy rice as your base, then arrange the chicken and corn mixture on top rather than mixing everything together. This creates visual appeal and lets each component shine.
Sauce with style
Drizzle the lime crema in a zigzag pattern over the top rather than mixing it in. This not only looks beautiful but ensures you get some creamy sauce in each bite.
Finish with freshness
A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color contrast and a burst of herbal freshness that balances the rich, spiced flavors of the dish.
Recipe picture pin it
Vibrant Street Corn Rice Bowl with spicy chicken pieces and cilantro garnish | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made this Street Corn Rice Bowl, I was trying to use up some leftover rotisserie chicken and fresh corn from the farmers market. I was craving something with bold flavors but didn't want to make a full taco spread. The combination of the spiced chicken with the sweet corn was so good that my family requested it again the very next week! Now I like to prep the components on Sunday so we can quickly assemble bowls throughout the week. Sometimes I'll switch up the protein with shrimp or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Perfect Pairings

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl pairs beautifully with a side of black beans for extra protein and fiber. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple avocado and tomato salad dressed with lime juice and salt. If you're entertaining, start with some tortilla chips and fresh salsa, and finish the meal with a light dessert like mango sorbet or cinnamon-sugar churros. For beverages, try an ice-cold Mexican beer with lime, a classic margarita, or a non-alcoholic agua fresca with cucumber and mint.

Homemade Mexican-inspired rice bowl with perfectly seasoned chicken chunks and sweet corn pin it
Homemade Mexican-inspired rice bowl with perfectly seasoned chicken chunks and sweet corn | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components 2-3 days in advance and store them separately. Cook the rice and chicken-corn mixture, make the lime crema, and chop the cilantro. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Easily substitute the chicken with black beans, roasted chickpeas, or crispy tofu seasoned with the same spices. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same!

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the lime crema?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives combined with vegan mayonnaise. Coconut yogurt works particularly well and adds a subtle complementary flavor to the Mexican-inspired spices.

→ What's the best rice to use for this recipe?

Medium to long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works best for this recipe as they stay fluffy and separate. Brown rice also works well for a whole-grain option, though cooking time will increase.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this bowl?

Definitely! Black beans, diced bell peppers, avocado chunks, or roasted sweet potato would be excellent additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for each vegetable.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food in a convenient, hearty meal. The spiced chicken provides a satisfying protein kick while the sweet corn adds bursts of flavor throughout. Topped with a creamy lime sauce and fresh cilantro, it's the perfect balance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Street Corn Bowl

Tender spiced chicken pieces with sweet corn kernels over fluffy rice, drizzled with tangy lime crema and fresh cilantro.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: chris

Category: main-dishes

Difficulty: easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 balls)

Dietary: High-protein, Gluten-free, Dairy-optional

Ingredients

011 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
022 tbsp olive oil
033 tbsp taco seasoning (or chili powder mix)
042 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
052 cups cooked white rice
061/4 cup sour cream
072 tbsp mayonnaise
081 lime, juiced and zested
091/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
101/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to allow it to develop a nice crust. Flip and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-4 more minutes.

Step 03

Add corn kernels to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until corn is heated through and beginning to char slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 04

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and lime zest to make the lime crema sauce. Season with salt to taste.

Step 05

Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the chicken and corn mixture. Drizzle with lime crema, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  1. For meal prep, store the components separately and assemble just before eating.
  2. The lime crema can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  3. To char the corn even more, you can broil the assembled bowls for 1-2 minutes before serving.
  4. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans or crispy tofu.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Citrus juicer
  • Rice cooker or pot with lid

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (in the lime crema sauce)
  • Corn
  • Mayonnaise (contains eggs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g

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