Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls feature smoky and juicy chicken thighs, a street corn topping and fluffy rice, topped with a creamy lime Greek yogurt sauce. The street corn is the star of this dish, bringing classic flavors like cotija cheese, mayo and chili powder. These bowls are colorful, fresh, and easy to prep ahead, making them a great option for lunch or dinner.

If summer had a signature dinner, this is it! These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are everything I crave in the warmer months: bright, bold flavors, easy prep, and a bowl full of colorful ingredients that scream summer. The dish offers a perfect balance of juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy elote-style corn, and fluffy rice, all layered with zippy pickled onions and a cooling Greek yogurt-lime drizzle. It’s a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.

The inspiration for these Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls came after a weekend BBQ, where leftover grilled corn and some extra chicken thighs sparked the creation of this fresh and satisfying bowl combo. It’s a perfect example of how delicious meals can be created from leftovers and a bit of creativity. Now, it’s a go-to in my house, and I love how it saves me time and stress on busy days!

Juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy elote-style corn, and fluffy rice are layered with zippy pickled onions and a cooling Greek yogurt-lime drizzle. Trust me—this is not your average rice bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Street Corn Topping:

• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen corn)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

For the Bowls:

• 3 cups cooked rice (1 cup uncooked)
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions
• Lime wedges for serving
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls (Step-by-Step)

1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend over both sides of the chicken thighs and let them sit while you prepare the corn.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before slicing. This step takes approximately 15-20 minutes, contributing to the dish’s quick preparation time.

2. Make the Street Corn Topping

In the same skillet, heat olive oil and char the corn kernels for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, and salt. Mix until creamy and coated.

3. Whip Up the Creamy Lime Sauce

Mix the Greek yogurt, lime juice, and salt until well combined and smooth. This adds a superb, tangy finish to balance the smoky and spicy notes in the bowl.

4. Assemble Your Chicken Rice Bowls

In two bowls, divide the rice. Top with sliced chicken, street corn, pickled red onions, a drizzle of yogurt sauce, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. That’s it—dinner is done in under 35 minutes!

Why You’ll Love These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

• Bold, bright summer flavors
• Easy 30-minute weeknight dinner
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
• Balanced with protein, carbs, and healthy fats
• Kid-approved and totally customizable

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls FAQs

What tools do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need a large skillet, mixing bowls, a rice cooker or saucepan, and a cutting board with a knife.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well—make sure to cook them evenly and check for an internal temp of 165°F.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

These bowls are best enjoyed warm right after assembly, but the components can also be eaten cold, making them ideal for packed lunches.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or eat cold, depending on your preference.

Notes and Easy Variations

• Feel free to use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Always check the temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the breast.
• You can add extra veggies, like shredded cabbage, diced avocado, or sliced radishes. This makes the dish more colorful and also more tasty.
• You can double the recipe to create extra meals for the week. The bowls make great leftovers.
• Make sure you are tasting and adjusting the salt level for the street corn and Greek yogurt sauce.
• I like to use fresh corn when it is in season but you can use frozen or canned corn. If frozen, make sure it is thawed and drained if using canned corn. Do not skip the step of charring the corn, it adds more flavor and warms the corn.
• To make pickled red onions at home, thinly slice half of a red onion. Then heat 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1/2 cup water in a mason jar, until it is steaming but not boiling. Add the onions and loosely cover. The longer the onions pickle, the better the flavor will be. These can be made in advance and refrigerated until needed.
• To add more flavor to the rice, you can use chicken stock in place of water. Consider also adding some lime juice and fresh cilantro for even more flavor.

Make-Ahead Tip

Double the recipe and prep the components in advance! Store each component separately and assemble when ready to serve for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

More Easy Summer Dinner Ideas You’ll Love:

• Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Veggies

• Easy, One-Pan Chicken Fajita Casserole 

• Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken

These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are like a mini summer fiesta in a bowl—simple enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for a weekend get-together. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or meal-prepping for busy days, this dish brings the flavor without the fuss.

Let me know in the comments if you make it—I’d love to hear your twist on it!

If you like this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Enjoy! 

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