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The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold and flavorful dish combining juicy grilled chicken, smoky charred corn, fluffy rice, black beans, and a creamy zesty lime crema. Inspired by Mexican street corn, it’s a quick, balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This recipe is customizable, nutritious, and bursting with texture and flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lime Crema:

½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt

Directions

Char the Corn:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté corn kernels for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Make the Lime Crema:
In a small bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth and adjust lime juice to taste.
Cook the Chicken (if not using pre-cooked):
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a base of cooked rice. Layer grilled chicken slices, charred corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and red onion. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese.
Garnish & Serve:
Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 42g
Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 620mg
Potassium: 900mg
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 20% DV

Why You’ll Love the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use any kind of rice you prefer—white rice for a classic feel, brown rice for a fiber boost, or cilantro-lime rice for an extra layer of flavor. The grilled chicken can be swapped for rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or even tofu if you’re leaning toward a vegetarian option.

Second, the charred corn brings a smoky sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory spices on the chicken and the tangy freshness of the lime crema. The black beans add a creamy, earthy element, while diced tomatoes and red onions contribute a juicy crunch. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, the bowl becomes a full spectrum of textures and tastes.

Finally, it’s quick to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s perfect for meal prepping too, as the ingredients hold up well for a few days when stored properly.

Health Benefits of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This colorful bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides lean, high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair. Corn and black beans add fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you full longer. Tomatoes and red onions offer antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C and potassium, crucial for immune function and heart health.

The lime crema made with Greek yogurt can give an extra boost of probiotics if you opt for yogurt instead of sour cream, promoting better gut health. The spices used—chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika—not only add flavor but also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Overall, this bowl strikes a great balance between macronutrients: it’s rich in protein, provides moderate healthy fats, and contains a good amount of complex carbohydrates. This makes it ideal for maintaining energy levels throughout the day without feeling weighed down.

Customizing Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. If you prefer a vegetarian version, grilled portobello mushrooms, crispy tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes make great substitutes for the chicken. You can also switch up the toppings—try adding diced avocado for creaminess, pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, or a handful of shredded lettuce for extra crunch.

The base can be changed too. If you’re cutting back on carbs, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. For a heartier feel, quinoa would be an excellent high-protein substitute.

You can also experiment with the crema. Add some finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative.

Perfect for Meal Prep

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl holds up beautifully for meal prep. You can grill the chicken, char the corn, and prepare the lime crema ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When it’s time to eat, just warm up the rice, chicken, and corn, then assemble and drizzle with crema.

By keeping the fresh elements like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro separate until serving, you maintain the bowl’s vibrant textures. Meal prepping these bowls saves you time during busy weekdays and ensures you always have a nutritious, satisfying option ready to go.

Serving Suggestions

While the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is already a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with other simple sides or toppings to round out the experience. A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would complement the bright flavors beautifully. You could also serve it alongside some crispy tortilla chips and salsa or a refreshing cucumber salad.

For drinks, a cold sparkling water infused with lime or a light margarita would perfectly accompany the Mexican-inspired flavors of the bowl.

Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Use freshly grilled or roasted corn when possible for the best flavor. If using frozen or canned corn, be sure to pat it dry before sautéing to achieve that perfect char.

Season the chicken generously. The spices bring a lot of depth to the dish, so don’t be shy when seasoning the meat before grilling or pan-cooking.

Don’t skip the lime crema. It ties the whole dish together with its creamy, tangy brightness.

Customize your bowl based on what you have. This recipe is incredibly forgiving—feel free to add other veggies or proteins to use up leftovers in your fridge.

Nutritional Value Overview

Each serving of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl provides about 580 calories, making it a hearty yet balanced meal. With 42 grams of protein, it supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full. It also offers 22 grams of fat, mainly from the olive oil and crema, which helps in nutrient absorption and flavor. The 52 grams of carbohydrates ensure lasting energy, while the 6 grams of fiber promote digestive health. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes—savory, smoky, tangy, and creamy—all in one bowl. It draws inspiration from the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn and transforms them into a complete, nourishing dish that is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Its customizable nature means you can tweak it to fit any dietary preference or flavor craving, making it a versatile option for many households. Whether you’re looking for a new meal prep favorite, a quick and healthy dinner, or just a dish that’s loaded with flavor and texture, the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is sure to become a regular feature on your menu.

In a world where busy schedules often push us toward bland, uninspired meals, this recipe proves that fast food can also be fresh, vibrant, and incredibly delicious. Give it a try, and let your taste buds take a trip to the vibrant streets of Mexico—right from the comfort of your own home.

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