Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Featured in quick-recipes.

Hey friend! You've GOT to try this Street Corn Chicken Bowl - it's a game-changer! The chicken gets this amazing caramelized char that's sweet and smoky, and when it mixes with the juicy corn kernels and fluffy rice, it's absolutely heavenly. The fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime brightens everything up. Trust me, the combo of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it comes together so quickly - perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!

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Updated on Fri, 16 May 2025 18:45:02 GMT
Delicious street corn chicken rice bowl with caramelized chicken pieces and roasted corn pin it
Delicious street corn chicken rice bowl with caramelized chicken pieces and roasted corn | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe during a summer when I was obsessed with Mexican street corn. The combination of sweet charred corn with savory spices was something I couldn't get enough of, and I wanted to transform it into a complete meal. The first time I made it, the aroma of the chicken caramelizing with those warm spices filled my kitchen and I knew I was onto something special. I love how the chicken gets those perfect charred edges while staying juicy inside, and how the sweetness of the corn balances the heat from the spices. The fresh cilantro and lime brighten everything up, cutting through the richness. What started as an experiment has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something satisfying but not too complicated.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl because it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of textures is what really makes it special - tender chicken with slightly crispy edges, sweet pop of corn kernels, and fluffy rice soaking up all the delicious flavors. It's one of those dishes that's greater than the sum of its parts. I love that it's so adaptable to what I have on hand - sometimes I'll add black beans or avocado, other times I'll throw in some roasted peppers. The fact that it comes together in about 30 minutes makes it perfect for busy weeknights, but it's still impressive enough to serve to friends. And honestly, the leftovers might be even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together! It's become a staple in my rotation because it satisfies my craving for something flavorful and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Chicken breast: cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking
  • Corn kernels: fresh or frozen, to be charred in the pan
  • White rice: cooked until fluffy as the base of the bowl
  • Spice blend: a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
  • Honey: adds caramelization and subtle sweetness
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped for bright, herbaceous flavor
  • Lime: cut into wedges for squeezing over finished dish

Let's Make These Together

Season the chicken
Toss cubed chicken with oil and spices until evenly coated, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat before cooking.
Create the char
Cook chicken in a hot skillet until edges develop a caramelized crust, which adds depth of flavor and appealing texture to the dish.
Add the corn
Introduce corn kernels and honey in the final minutes of cooking, letting them pick up char marks and caramelize alongside the chicken.
Build your bowl
Layer fluffy rice as the foundation, top with the chicken-corn mixture, then finish with fresh cilantro and lime for brightness.
Personalize
Customize your bowl with optional toppings like green onions, hot sauce, or cheese to suit your preference.
Recipe picture pin it
Homemade cilantro lime chicken bowl with sweet corn kernels and spicy seasoning | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made this Street Corn Chicken Bowl, I was actually trying to use up leftover grilled corn from a barbecue. I tossed the kernels with some quickly seared chicken and served it over rice with whatever herbs I had in the fridge. My family went crazy for it! Now I make it intentionally, sometimes swapping the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for extra nutrition. I've also tried it with a drizzle of chipotle-lime crema when I'm not keeping it dairy-free, and it adds an amazing creamy element to the dish.

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 it with a simple avocado and tomato salad dressed with lime juice. If you're serving guests, start with homemade tortilla chips and fresh salsa, and finish the meal with a light dessert like mango sorbet or cinnamon-sugar sopapillas. For drinks, a cold Mexican beer with lime, a classic margarita, or just a simple agua fresca would complement these flavors perfectly.

Mexican-inspired chicken bowl with charred corn, fresh herbs and lime over white rice pin it
Mexican-inspired chicken bowl with charred corn, fresh herbs and lime over white rice | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the chicken and corn mixture in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Add fresh cilantro and lime just before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Prepare them with the same seasoning and cooking method for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still captures the street corn flavors.

→ How spicy is this dish?

As written, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level from the chili powder and smoked paprika. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing these spices or adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Definitely! Brown rice makes an excellent nutritious substitution. Just note that it typically requires longer cooking time (about 45 minutes versus 20 minutes for white rice) and slightly more liquid, so plan accordingly.

→ What if I don't like cilantro?

If you're among those who find cilantro tastes like soap (it's genetic!), you can substitute with fresh parsley, chives, or basil for a different but still fresh herb flavor. The dish will have a different profile but will still be delicious.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this bowl?

This recipe is extremely versatile! Great additions include black beans, diced bell peppers, avocado chunks, roasted sweet potatoes, or sautéed zucchini. Just add quick-cooking vegetables to the skillet with the corn or serve fresh/pre-roasted vegetables on top of the finished bowl.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together classic Mexican elote flavors with protein-packed chicken for a satisfying meal. The caramelized chicken with its slightly charred edges pairs perfectly with the sweet corn and tangy lime. It's a colorful, nutritious dish that's simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. The balance of flavors and textures makes this bowl a crowd-pleaser every time.

Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Caramelized chicken cubes with charred corn, served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: chris

Category: quick-recipes

Difficulty: easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 balls)

Dietary: High-Protein, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

011 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
022 tablespoons olive oil
032 teaspoons chili powder
041 teaspoon ground cumin
051 teaspoon garlic powder
061 teaspoon smoked paprika
072 cups cooked white rice
081 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
091/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
102 tablespoons honey
111 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.

Step 02

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed caramelized, charred edges.

Step 03

In the last 3 minutes of cooking the chicken, add the corn kernels to the skillet. Drizzle with honey and continue cooking until the corn is slightly charred and caramelized.

Step 04

Divide the cooked white rice among serving bowls. Top with the chicken and corn mixture. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top just before eating.

Step 05

For additional flavor, you can garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of cotija cheese (if not keeping dairy-free), or a drizzle of hot sauce according to your taste preference.

Notes

  1. For the best char on the chicken, don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary.
  2. If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet for better caramelization.
  3. The dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
  4. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Corn (main ingredient in the dish)
  • Chicken (animal protein)
  • Honey (avoid for strict vegans)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 28 g

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