Name: Street Corn Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: boneless chicken breast; white rice; corn kernels; sour cream; mayonnaise; fresh cilantro; lime juice; chili powder; paprika; garlic powder; cumin; salt; black pepper

Delicious Mexican street corn chicken bowl with grilled chicken, corn, rice and cilantro lime crema | lonerecipes.com

I first discovered this incredible combination at a local food truck that served the most amazing Mexican street corn, and I knew I had to recreate those flavors at home. This Street Corn Chicken Bowl is my interpretation of that unforgettable taste experience. The recipe starts with perfectly seasoned chicken breast that gets a beautiful char when grilled, creating those irresistible caramelized edges. The corn kernels are seared until they develop sweet, smoky notes that remind me of authentic elote. What really makes this dish special is the cilantro lime crema - a simple mixture that brings everything together with its bright, tangy flavor. When I arrange everything over fluffy white rice and drizzle that creamy sauce on top, it creates a bowl that's both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and bold Mexican flavors that transport me back to that food truck discovery.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about this Street Corn Chicken Bowl is how it manages to be both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make. There's something magical about the way the smoky, charred chicken combines with the sweet corn and that tangy cilantro lime crema - it's like a party in every bite. This recipe has become my secret weapon for impressing dinner guests because it looks and tastes like something from a high-end Mexican restaurant, but I can have it on the table in under an hour. I also love how customizable it is - sometimes I add black beans for extra protein, or jalapeños when I want more heat. The leftovers (if there are any!) make an amazing lunch the next day. Most importantly, this dish never fails to put a smile on my face and remind me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It's comfort food with a vibrant, exciting twist that makes even ordinary weeknight dinners feel special.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces and season with Mexican spices
White rice: Cook until fluffy and use as the base for the bowls
Corn kernels: Char in a hot pan until caramelized for authentic street corn flavor
Sour cream: Mix with mayonnaise and lime juice to create the creamy crema
Fresh cilantro: Chop finely for the crema and use as garnish
Lime juice: Add brightness and acidity to the cilantro crema

Let's Make These Together

Season and marinate chicken: Combine all the Mexican spices with the chicken pieces and let them absorb those amazing flavors for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial for building that authentic street food taste.
Cook the rice base: Prepare fluffy white rice according to package directions. This will serve as the foundation for our colorful bowl, so make sure it's perfectly cooked and seasoned with a pinch of salt.
Grill chicken to perfection: Heat your pan nice and hot, then cook the seasoned chicken until it develops those beautiful golden-brown char marks. The key is not to move it too much - let it get that gorgeous caramelization.
Char the corn kernels: Using the same pan with all those delicious chicken drippings, sear the corn until it gets those lovely charred spots that give it that authentic street corn flavor.
Create the cilantro lime crema: Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, and lime juice until smooth. This creamy, tangy sauce is what makes the entire dish come together beautifully.
Assemble your masterpiece: Layer the rice in your bowls, top with the grilled chicken and charred corn, then generously drizzle with that incredible cilantro lime crema and finish with fresh cilantro.

Recipe picture — Authentic Mexican inspired chicken and corn bowl with fluffy rice and zesty lime crema drizzle | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made this bowl on a particularly hectic Tuesday evening when I was craving something more exciting than plain chicken and rice. I had some leftover corn from a weekend barbecue and thought, why not recreate those amazing street corn flavors I love so much? The magic happened when I mixed that simple cilantro lime crema - just a few ingredients that transformed the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Now it's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something special. The best part? My kids actually ask for seconds, which rarely happens with my cooking experiments!

Perfect Pairings

This Street Corn Chicken Bowl pairs wonderfully with warm flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for scooping. A side of black beans or refried beans adds extra protein and authentic Mexican flavors. For beverages, try it with a cold Corona with lime, fresh agua fresca, or even a margarita for weekend dinners. A simple avocado salad or pico de gallo on the side adds fresh crunch and complements the creamy elements beautifully.

Colorful street corn chicken rice bowl topped with fresh cilantro and creamy white sauce | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?: Absolutely! Brown rice works great and adds extra fiber and nutty flavor. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crema should be stored in a separate container and can last up to 5 days. Reheat the chicken and rice before serving.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?: Yes! Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan mayo mixed with coconut cream for a similar creamy texture.
→ What if I don't have fresh corn?: Frozen or canned corn works fine. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry first. If using canned, drain and rinse thoroughly before charring in the pan.
→ How spicy is this dish?: This recipe is mild with just chili powder and paprika. Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the crema if you prefer more heat.
→ Can I prep this meal in advance?: Yes! Cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store separately. Make the crema up to 3 days in advance. Reheat components and assemble fresh bowls when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Bowl combines the best of Mexican street food flavors in one satisfying dish. The perfectly seasoned grilled chicken pairs beautifully with sweet corn and fluffy rice, while the cilantro lime crema ties everything together with its creamy, tangy finish. It's a complete meal that's both nutritious and incredibly flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without too much fuss.