Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s bold, satisfying, and easy to make? This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl has it all—juicy chicken, fluffy rice, creamy avocado, vibrant cilantro, tangy lime, and sweet, charred corn, all brought together with a zesty chili-lime dressing. Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn (elote), this recipe turns a simple chicken and rice bowl into something truly crave-worthy.
This dish is great for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick, nutritious lunch. It’s fully customizable—swap ingredients, adjust the heat, or make it dairy-free with ease. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make it from scratch with pro tips and optional variations that suit every dietary preference.
🛒 Ingredients Overview
Let’s break down everything you’ll need to build this fresh, flavorful rice bowl:
🐔 Chicken Breast (1 pound, boneless and skinless)
Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast brings a lean source of protein. It’s seasoned simply to let the street corn flavors shine, but you can spice it up with chili powder, cumin, or garlic for extra flavor.
Substitute Ideas:
- Turkey breast for a similar lean option
- Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian/vegan version
- Shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist
🍚 Rice (1 cup uncooked)
Jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. White or brown rice are both good options depending on your preference.
Healthier swaps:
- Quinoa for added protein
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
🌽 Corn (1 cup)
Sweet corn gives this bowl its signature street-style flair. Use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn. For added flavor, char it in a hot skillet or grill pan to replicate that fire-roasted elote taste.
🥑 Avocado (1 large)
Creamy and rich, avocado adds softness and healthy fats. You can slice it, dice it, or swap it with guacamole for even more flavor.
🌿 Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped)
Adds brightness and freshness. If you’re not a cilantro fan, use flat-leaf parsley or skip it entirely.
🍋 Lime (1, juiced)
Fresh lime juice ties everything together with its citrusy tang. Use fresh if possible, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
🧀 Cheese (½ cup)
Crumbled Cotija is traditional in street corn dishes, offering a salty and crumbly texture. Feta cheese is an excellent substitute.
Dairy-free? Try a vegan feta or skip the cheese altogether and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
🌶 Chili Powder (1 teaspoon)
Adds warmth and depth without overpowering heat. Adjust the amount to your taste, or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
🧂 Salt & Pepper
To taste. Don’t skip these—they’re essential for balancing the flavors.
🥣 Chili Lime Crema Dressing
This simple, creamy dressing pulls the entire bowl together. Here’s what you need:
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 1 squeeze of fresh lime juice
- A pinch of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make:
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust lime or seasoning if needed. Keep chilled until ready to use.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
Optional add-in: Squeeze in a little lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro once it’s done for added flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of chili powder or cumin.
In a skillet or grill pan:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C)
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred
Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken strips.
Step 3: Char the Corn
If using frozen corn, thaw it first. If using canned, drain it.
Heat a dry skillet over high heat and add the corn:
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are slightly charred.
This step enhances sweetness and adds that classic “street corn” flavor.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayo
- A squeeze of lime juice
- A pinch of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Set aside or refrigerate.
Step 5: Prep the Bowl Ingredients
Slice the avocado, chop the cilantro, and crumble the cheese if not pre-crumbled.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
In 2–4 serving bowls, layer as follows:
- Rice base
- Shredded or sliced chicken
- Charred corn
- Avocado slices
- Crumbled cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Drizzle with chili lime crema
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice
Add more chili powder or hot sauce if you like a spicy kick!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Toppings & Extras:
- Diced red onion or green onion
- Chopped tomatoes or salsa
- Pickled jalapeños for heat
- Tortilla strips or crushed corn chips for crunch
Side Ideas:
- Black bean salad
- Grilled veggies
- Mango salsa for a sweet contrast
Drinks:
- Sparkling lime water
- Horchata
- Iced hibiscus tea
🌯 Make It a Wrap or Burrito
Love handheld meals? Wrap the ingredients in a large tortilla for a Street Corn Chicken Burrito, or serve it taco-style using small corn tortillas. Perfect for on-the-go dinners or packed lunches.
🔁 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Storing:
Store each component separately in airtight containers:
- Chicken: up to 4 days in fridge
- Rice: 4–5 days
- Dressing: 3–4 days
- Assembled bowls: Best eaten within 24 hours (especially if avocado is included)
Reheating:
- Chicken and rice: Reheat in the microwave or on stovetop until warmed through
- Dressing and avocado: Add fresh after reheating for best taste and texture
Meal Prep:
Divide all ingredients into 4 containers for a grab-and-go lunch or easy dinner solution. Add lime and dressing just before eating.
🧠 Tips & Tricks for the Best Street Corn Bowl
- Char the corn—this step brings street corn authenticity to your bowl
- Don’t overcook the chicken—juicy chicken is key to balance the creamy dressing and soft rice
- Use fresh lime juice—it brightens everything from the crema to the rice
- Customize heat levels with more or less chili powder or hot sauce
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimated based on 4 servings, using chicken breast, white rice, avocado, Cotija cheese, and sour cream dressing.
- Calories: 520–600
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
🥑 Variations You’ll Love
Vegan Version
- Use tofu or black beans instead of chicken
- Substitute sour cream and mayo with vegan alternatives
- Use vegan cheese or skip it entirely
Spicy Chipotle Bowl
- Add chipotle in adobo to the dressing for smoky heat
- Use chipotle-marinated chicken or tofu
Mediterranean Street Bowl
- Swap rice with couscous or bulgur
- Use parsley, lemon juice, and a yogurt-based dressing
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred and warm it before adding to the bowl.
Q2: Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just keep wet ingredients (like dressing and avocado) separate until you’re ready to eat.
Q3: What if I don’t like cilantro?
Substitute with parsley or fresh green onion for a similar herbaceous touch.
Q4: Is there a low-carb version of this dish?
Yes—use cauliflower rice and skip or reduce the corn and avocado.
Q5: Can I use other cheeses?
Yes—feta, queso fresco, or even shredded pepper jack work well. Choose according to taste and dietary needs.
🧑🍳 Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a vibrant, nourishing, and deeply satisfying meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this bowl delivers every time.
With its customizable nature and simple prep, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. So grab your skillet and lime—your next favorite meal is waiting!