Take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Inspired by the zesty magic of Mexican street food, this bowl delivers a perfect combo of grilled, juicy chicken and sweet, charred corn, all nestled on a fluffy bed of rice. A creamy, tangy lime crema ties it all together, making every bite pop with vibrant flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep go-to, this bowl brings bold colors and even bolder taste. With layers of texture from crisp onion to smooth avocado and the crumbled cotija topping, this dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup cooked white or brown rice
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1 cup grilled corn (fresh or frozen)
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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1/4 red onion, finely chopped
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1 avocado, diced
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Lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
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While chicken cooks, mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder in a bowl to create the crema.
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In a bowl, combine grilled corn, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and red onion.
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Assemble bowls with a base of rice, topped with sliced chicken, corn mixture, diced avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
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Garnish with extra cotija, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450
Servings: 2
The Ultimate Comfort Bowl: Grilled Chicken Street Corn Bowl with Zesty Lime Crema
There’s something inherently satisfying about meals served in a bowl. Maybe it’s the way the flavors and textures mingle together, or perhaps it’s the convenience of having a hearty, nutritious dish all in one place. Either way, the Grilled Chicken Street Corn Bowl isn’t just another trendy food craze it’s a delicious harmony of smoky, savory, creamy, and fresh elements that make every bite unforgettable.
This vibrant rice bowl draws inspiration from Mexican street corn, or “elote”, a beloved staple that’s typically served grilled, slathered in a mixture of mayo and crema, sprinkled with chili powder, crumbled cheese, and a splash of lime. The street corn’s bold flavor profile adds just the right amount of zest and richness to this dish. When paired with juicy grilled chicken and a fluffy rice base, it transforms into a filling, nutrient-rich bowl that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, planning a healthy dinner, or looking to impress guests with a crowd-pleasing dish, this bowl delivers in every way.
The Inspiration Behind the Bowl
Mexican street food has long been recognized for its vibrant flavors and dynamic combinations. From tacos al pastor to fresh ceviches and tamales, it’s a cuisine rooted in culture, community, and creativity. Elote, or grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy toppings and dusted with cheese and chili powder, is a classic street food treat found across Mexico.
This recipe takes the spirit of elote and modernizes it by building a balanced meal around it. Grilled chicken adds a dose of protein and heartiness, rice brings comfort and body to the dish, and a tangy lime crema ties everything together. The result is a bowl that’s both nutritionally satisfying and rich in flavor, without being overly complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This bowl checks off a lot of boxes it’s gluten free, customizable, and easily scaled for meal prep. But beyond dietary flexibility, it’s the flavor combination that wins every time.
The smoky paprika-rubbed chicken brings a savory, juicy punch that pairs perfectly with the charred sweetness of grilled corn. The lime crema, a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder, adds a creamy, zesty layer that enhances every component. Finally, fresh toppings like red onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, and avocado provide crunch, tang, and creaminess.
What you get is a well balanced dish that’s exciting to eat and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s hearty enough for dinner, yet light enough to leave you feeling satisfied instead of sluggish.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Each component in this bowl offers nutritional perks, making it a meal you can feel good about.
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Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, helping with muscle repair and satiety.
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Grilled corn provides fiber, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
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Rice, especially when using brown or wild rice, delivers complex carbs and energy-boosting nutrients.
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Avocado contributes healthy fats, potassium, and fiber.
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Lime and cilantro not only add flavor but are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
The crema, while creamy and indulgent, is portioned in a way that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish or adding excess calories. Cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy kick, but again, a little goes a long way.
You can easily adjust this bowl to fit your dietary needs swap the rice for cauliflower rice to lower carbs, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein, or toss in extra veggies for a fiber boost.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about a recipe like this is its flexibility. You can take the core concept and modify it in countless ways:
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Protein Variations: Not a fan of chicken? Swap it out for grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu. Pulled pork or carnitas also make an excellent alternative if you’re looking to mix it up.
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Vegetarian or Vegan Options: Skip the meat entirely and opt for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. For the crema, use plant based mayo and sour cream alternatives or a cashew-lime crema.
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Spice Level: Love the heat? Add diced jalapeños, drizzle on hot sauce, or increase the chili powder in the crema.
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Cheese Choices: Cotija is traditional, but feta makes a great stand in. You can also use shredded cheddar, queso fresco, or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free bowl.
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Add More Veggies: Throw in some cherry tomatoes, black beans, shredded lettuce, or pickled red onions for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
Ideal for Meal Prep
This bowl is an ideal candidate for make-ahead meals. Each component can be prepped in advance and stored separately or layered in containers for grab-and-go lunches.
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Chicken can be grilled and stored for up to 4 days.
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Crema holds well in the fridge and may even get better after a day of sitting, as flavors meld.
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Rice and corn can be batch-cooked and kept chilled.
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Fresh toppings like avocado should be added right before serving to maintain freshness and color.
For an easy meal-prep tip, line up containers and create an assembly line — rice on the bottom, followed by chicken, corn, and toppings. Store the crema in a small separate container or drizzle just before eating.
Serving Suggestions
This rice bowl is filling enough to stand on its own, but you can easily turn it into a full spread for gatherings or themed nights:
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Taco Night Alternative: Serve this bowl as a taco bar option let guests build their own bowls with all the toppings laid out.
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Side Pairings: A side of tortilla chips with guacamole or a light cucumber salad complements the bold flavors beautifully.
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Beverage Ideas: Pair with a cold Mexican lager, a citrusy margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca like watermelon or hibiscus.
It’s perfect for dinner parties, summer BBQs, or a solo weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing and flavorful.
A Crowd-Pleaser That Tells a Story
Food is more than just fuel it’s a way to connect to culture, to tell a story, and to share a piece of tradition with modern flair. The Grilled Chicken Street Corn Bowl does exactly that. It nods to the roots of Mexican street cuisine while adapting it into a dish that’s practical, healthful, and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your last trip to Mexico or just craving something new and satisfying, this bowl brings those beloved flavors right into your kitchen. The textures, the spice, the balance of creaminess and acidity it’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill you up, but makes you feel good.
Conclusion
The Grilled Chicken Street Corn Bowl with Zesty Lime Crema is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and creativity in the kitchen. With its irresistible mix of grilled protein, sweet corn, creamy toppings, and zesty lime, it delivers satisfaction on every level.
It’s simple enough for beginners, quick enough for busy weeknights, and exciting enough to serve to guests. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it truly your own. Give this bowl a try, and it just might become your next weeknight go-to or meal prep favorite.