Name: Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; Avocado oil; Chili powder; Garlic powder; Salt and pepper; 1 cup sweet corn kernels; Red onion; Sour cream; Mayonnaise; Cotija cheese; Chili powder; Salt and pepper; 3 cups cooked rice; ½ cup Cotija cheese; Lime juice and wedges; Fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 29 reviews

Bursting with bright flavors and playful textures, the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a recipe that brings the best of summer—charred corn, juicy chicken, zesty lime—straight to your dinner table, all in under an hour. Each bite is a celebration: creamy Cotija cheese mingles with tangy street corn, while fluffy rice anchors the bowl and soaks up all the rich, savory juices. Whether you’re prepping a colorful weeknight meal or entertaining a hungry crowd, this dish adapts to your tastes and pleases everyone. You will adore how effortless it is to pull together, especially when you personalize it with toppings the whole family loves.

Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl lies in its simple, bold ingredients—every single one builds flavor or adds a pop of color. There are no complicated steps, just the excellent, honest work of good pantry basics and fresh produce coming together in a bowl that truly satisfies.

Chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, these are perfect for soaking up that zesty marinade.
Sweet corn kernels: Use fresh, frozen, or canned—just be sure to grill or char them for that signature street corn taste.
Cooked rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower—make it warm and fluffy to catch all the delicious toppings.
Cotija cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese is the classic finishing touch; feta works in a pinch!
Lime juice and wedges: Fresh lime brightens and balances every bite, both in the marinade and as a final squeeze.
Fresh cilantro: Adds fresh, herby energy that pairs beautifully with the corn and chicken.

How to Make Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by nestling your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a lively marinade of lime juice, a glug of avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give them at least 15 minutes—30 if you can spare it—so those flavors can soak in and work their magic.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high, and lay your marinated chicken thighs in, searing each side for 8 to 10 minutes. They should emerge golden brown and fragrant, with crispy edges and juicy centers. Let the chicken rest before slicing for maximum tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture

In a bowl, toss your grilled or charred corn kernels with a handful of finely chopped red onion, a dollop each of sour cream and mayonnaise, a generous crumble of Cotija, a dusting of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy and irresistible—this is the heart and soul of your bowl!

Step 4: Warm the Rice

While your chicken rests, reheat your cooked rice until it’s fluffy and steaming. This is the cozy base that brings every element together, so don’t skip warming it!

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Time for the fun part: assembly. Spoon your warm rice into bowls, top with sliced chicken, and generously heap on that luscious street corn mixture. Finish with fresh cilantro, crumbles of Cotija, and a squeeze of lime for the perfect Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl experience.

How to Serve Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Cotija cheese, a handful of chopped cilantro, and juicy lime wedges are must-haves. For bonus color and crunch, consider thinly sliced radishes, diced avocado, or even a smattering of chopped jalapeños. These little touches make your Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Side Dishes

While this bowl is hearty on its own, it’s fantastic with a simple green salad or a side of tortilla chips and salsa. If you want to amp up the vegetables, steamed broccoli or grilled bell peppers complement the smoky-sweet vibes without overpowering your main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Let guests build their own bowls for a fun, taco-night twist—set out the rice, street corn mixture, sliced chicken, and garnishes buffet-style. Or, serve smaller portions in cups for appetizer-sized bites at parties. However you present it, this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl always brings the wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply store each component—chicken, corn mixture, and rice—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresher and lets you assemble a brand-new Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl whenever hunger strikes. Enjoy within three days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While the rice and cooked chicken freeze beautifully (just cool them completely and pack in airtight containers), the street corn mix with mayo and sour cream is best enjoyed fresh. If you love meal prepping, freeze the chicken and rice, then make the corn mixture fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist. Stir the street corn mixture before topping your bowl, and always add fresh garnishes right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breast works as well—just keep an eye on the cook time so the meat stays juicy. The marinade is delicious on either cut, making this Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl super flexible.

Is there a good substitute for Cotija cheese?

If you can’t find Cotija, feta cheese is a great stand-in due to its crumbly texture and briny taste. Parmesan or queso fresco can also work, each adding their own flair to your bowl.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Crank up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños to your corn mixture or marinade, dusting in extra chili powder, or even drizzling with hot sauce just before serving. The Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl loves a little extra kick!

Can I prepare components in advance?

Definitely! You can marinate and cook the chicken, prep the rice, and make the street corn mixture a few hours ahead. Simply store them separately and assemble bowls just before eating for the freshest flavors and best presentation.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl contains only naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just double-check your spices and mayonnaise to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or a sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat, the Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a must. It’s fresh, adaptable, and big on flavor—plus, it looks beautiful on the table. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to weeknight wonder.