Name: Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, juiced; 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups water; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 avocado, diced; Hot sauce, to taste (optional); Lime wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for your next weeknight obsession, let me introduce you to the Street Corn Chicken Bowl. This colorful, flavor-packed bowl brings together zesty marinated chicken, sweet and creamy Mexican-style street corn, fluffy rice, hearty black beans, and all the best fresh toppings in one glorious dish. Bursting with textures and popping with summery flavors, it’s the perfect way to bring a little festive street food magic right to your own kitchen. Trust me, every bite is a celebration!

Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Street Corn Chicken Bowl leans on bold spices, creamy accents, and crunchy veggies to deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss. Each ingredient plays its part to create a bowl that’s hearty, balanced, and utterly irresistible.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken for quicker cooking and easy cutting into bite-size cubes.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and keeps everything juicy as it cooks.
Chili powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat and beautiful earthiness to both the chicken and corn.
Cumin: Lends those warm, smoky undertones that make Mexican-inspired dishes sing.
Smoked paprika: A game-changer for deep, smoky flavor in the chicken.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the spice blend with savory goodness.
Onion powder: Subtle, savory boost for balanced seasoning.
Salt and pepper: To bring everything into perfect harmony.
Corn: Fresh ears are ideal for juicy, charred kernels, but frozen corn works in a pinch!
Butter: Brushed on the corn for extra richness and a golden finish.
Mayonnaise: The foundation of that signature street corn creaminess.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy cooldown and luscious texture to the corn mix.
Cotija cheese: Crumbly, salty, and perfectly melt-in-your-mouth over the corn.
Cilantro: Brings fresh, zippy flavor to brighten up every bite.
Lime juice: Provides a citrusy pop that ties everything together.
Extra chili powder: Optional, but a little sprinkle turns up the heat!
Long-grain white rice: Fluffy, neutral, and a perfect base for soaking up big flavors.
Water: Needed for perfectly cooked rice, of course.
Extra olive oil: Ensures the rice cooks up tender and full of flavor.
Black beans: Bring in protein, fiber, and earthy heft—you can’t skip them!
Avocado: Creamy cubes add cool contrast and healthy fat.
Hot sauce: For a fiery finishing drizzle, if you’re feeling bold.
Lime wedges: For that essential finishing squeeze of fresh brightness.

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Start by tossing those juicy cubes of chicken breast with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every bit gets a generous coating—this is where the flavor magic happens! Once marinated, sear the chicken in a hot skillet until it’s golden-brown and just cooked through. Take the time to cook it in a single layer, even if it means doing a couple of batches, so you get that irresistible caramelized crust on every piece. When cooked, set the chicken aside and get your taste buds ready for what comes next.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

Now, let’s make everyone’s favorite part. Grill, boil, or roast your corn until tender and kissed with a little char—that’s the secret to genuine street corn flavor. Once cooled, slice off those plump golden kernels. Toss the kernels in a bowl with mayo, sour cream, cotija, cilantro, lime juice, and (if you love spice) an extra shake of chili powder. This creamy, tangy, aromatic mixture is the very soul of the Street Corn Chicken Bowl, and it’s downright addictive.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear—this step ensures every grain stays fluffy and separate. Simmer the rice with water, olive oil, and just the right touch of salt. Once it’s perfectly tender, let it steam in the pot for a few minutes before fluffing. The result: cloudlike rice ready to soak up every bit of street corn and seasoned chicken goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Time for the fun part! Spoon a generous helping of rice into the bottom of each bowl. Pile on your golden, spiced chicken, then lavish each bowl with a big scoop of the street corn mixture. Add a hearty spoonful of black beans, then top with creamy avocado cubes. Give it a shake of hot sauce if you want an extra kick, then finish with fresh lime wedges. It’s a Street Corn Chicken Bowl masterpiece, ready to dig in!

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, don’t skimp on bright green cilantro, extra cotija cheese, and juicy lime wedges! A sprinkle of chili powder (or even Tajín) adds an eye-catching pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. If you want to keep things playful, pop a few tortilla chips on the side for an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy and spicy notes in every Street Corn Chicken Bowl.

Side Dishes

The Street Corn Chicken Bowl is absolutely satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette or some sliced watermelon for a refreshing contrast. For feeding a crowd, set out a side of tortilla chips, salsa, or a quick mango pico de gallo—simple extras that turn this meal into a true summer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your Street Corn Chicken Bowl by serving in wide, shallow bowls with the ingredients arranged in neat sections for maximum visual impact. For a fun twist, offer a DIY bowl bar and let everyone build their own masterpiece with a choice of toppings. Or, pack everything in a wrap or large tortilla for an ultra-portable street corn chicken burrito!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The street corn mixture, chicken, and rice all keep well for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping future Street Corn Chicken Bowls! Wait to cut and add the avocado right before serving so it stays fresh and green.

Freezing

The seasoned chicken and cooked rice freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely first, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. The street corn mixture won’t freeze quite as well due to the creamy ingredients, but you can prep extra corn kernels to freeze and quickly stir together the creamy elements later for a speedy bowl whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to keep everything moist. The black beans can be gently heated as well. For the street corn, serve cold or, if you’d like, let it come to room temperature for the best texture. Assemble fresh with new avocado and garnishes for a bowl that feels just-made!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and flavorful—just cut them into similar-size cubes and follow the same marinating and cooking method. They make the Street Corn Chicken Bowl even richer.

What’s a good substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija is out of reach, try crumbled feta or even grated parmesan for a similar salty, tangy punch. Both are excellent stand-ins and will keep your Street Corn Chicken Bowl on theme.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Definitely—just use your favorite dairy-free yogurt or sour cream, skip the cotija or use a vegan cheese, and make sure your mayo is plant-based. The bowl will still taste fantastic and creamy!

Can I make the Street Corn Chicken Bowl vegetarian?

Simply skip the chicken and double up on the black beans or add sautéed tofu cubes. All the street corn and rice flavors still shine for a hearty meatless feast.

How do I make this bowl spicier?

For serious heat-lovers, mix extra chili powder into both your chicken seasoning and your street corn. Don’t forget to finish with plenty of hot sauce or even diced jalapeños right on top!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a meal that’s colorful, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with personality, this Street Corn Chicken Bowl really delivers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat for busy nights, casual gatherings, or just because you’re feeling festive! Grab your chopping board, fire up the skillet, and let the irresistibly fresh flavors bring everyone around your table.