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An overhead close-up shot of the Mexican street corn salsa, a key component of the chicken rice bowl, showing the charred corn and cotija cheese.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl features juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and a creamy, tangy corn salsa. It's an easy, flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Chipotle Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
For the Street Corn Salsa
  • 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced optional
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Juice of 1 lime
  • 0.25 tsp chili powder

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Medium Saucepan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, salt, and butter. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the rice cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  4. Make the Street Corn Salsa: In the same skillet, add the corn kernels. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a medium bowl, combine the charred corn, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), cotija cheese, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until well combined.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cilantro lime rice among four bowls. Top with the cooked chipotle chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn salsa. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don't crowd the pan when cooking chicken for the best sear.
Charring the corn is key for that authentic smoky flavor.
Store components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy meal prep.