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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 127 reviews

A quick and flavorful 30-minute street corn chicken rice bowl featuring juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, charred corn, and a creamy cilantro-lime sauce over warm rice. This dish combines smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), cut into bite-size cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
  • 1.5 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (plus 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro for sauce)
  • 1 lime, juiced (plus 0.5 lime juice and zest for sauce)

Cilantro-Lime Sauce

  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Toss the chicken cubes with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil until evenly coated for full flavor coverage.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the chicken in a single layer without overlapping. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side (6-8 minutes total) until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken is ready when juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Char the corn: Wipe the skillet lightly with a paper towel to remove any stuck bits but keep the flavorful oil. Add the corn kernels and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown charred edges develop.
  4. Make the cilantro-lime sauce: While the corn cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Spoon about 1 cup of warm cooked rice into individual serving bowls. Top with the charred corn, sliced chicken, and red onion slices. Drizzle the cilantro-lime sauce evenly over everything. Finish with fresh chopped cilantro and extra lime juice. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use any type of rice you prefer—jasmine for fragrance, white for classic, or brown for added fiber.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
  • The creamy sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Charred corn adds a smoky depth; fresh corn works best but frozen or canned are good alternatives.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165°F to ensure safety.