Ready for an absolutely dreamy dinner that combines the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn with juicy, grilled chicken? Meet your new favorite: the Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowl. Each bite bursts with charred corn, creamy cheese, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime-all layered over tender, spiced chicken and fluffy rice.

This bowl is more than a meal; it's a celebration of textures and tastes. The best part? It's incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to share at a summer cookout with friends.

Craving cozy comfort with a fresh, summery twist? This bowl has you covered. I was inspired by those irresistible elotes at our neighborhood taco spot, and after tinkering at home, I promise this homemade version is even better!

Street Corn Chicken Bowl loaded with corn, lime, and cheese

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A perfect marriage of creamy, smoky, and zesty flavors in every bite
Quick to prepare, great for busy weeknights or meal prep
Customizable with your favorite toppings and grains
Brings street food magic right to your dinner table

Key Ingredients for Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowl

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor, making them ideal for this bowl. Their higher fat content keeps the meat tender and helps it soak up the spices perfectly. You can swap in chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook them so they stay moist.

Fresh or Frozen Corn

This is the star of your street corn topping! Fresh corn, especially when charred or grilled, brings a wonderful smokiness and sweetness. You can substitute frozen corn kernels-just thaw before cooking and try to get a bit of caramelization in the skillet for maximum flavor.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese creates the traditional creamy, salty bite found in Mexican street corn. Crumble it over the bowl for big flavor pay-off. Feta is a fantastic substitute if you can't find Cotija, or even shredded parmesan in a pinch.

Greek Yogurt or Mexican Crema

For that iconic creamy street corn texture, Greek yogurt or Mexican crema works wonders. It also adds tanginess and richness to the dish. Sour cream is a solid alternative that keeps things just as luscious.

Cooked Rice

Fluffy cooked rice is the perfect base for all the saucy, spiced ingredients. Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice-just sauté for a few minutes to warm through before serving.

Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowl cooking process

Instructions for Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowl

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Toss chicken thighs with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.

Char the Corn

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in corn kernels and sauté on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly charred. Remove from heat.

Make the Street Corn Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or crema, lime juice, Cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), green onions, and black pepper. Fold in the slightly cooled, charred corn until everything is creamy and well combined.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, then spoon generous helpings of street corn mixture over the top. Sprinkle with extra Cotija, more cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Finish and Serve

Serve immediately while warm. Extra lime wedges and a dash of hot sauce make fantastic finishing touches!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Want more heat? Add extra jalapeño or a sprinkle of chipotle powder to the corn mixture, or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the finished bowl.

Vegetarian Twist

Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas to make it vegetarian-friendly. Use the same spice marinade on your protein substitute for maximum flavor.

Dairy-Free Delight

Use vegan mayonnaise and coconut-based yogurt, and skip the Cotija (or try a dairy-free cheese alternative) for a completely dairy-free version that still feels creamy and decadent.

Swap the Grain

Try serving everything over quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for variety or to suit dietary preferences.

Taco or Salad Style

Transform your street corn chicken bowl into tacos by loading all the ingredients into warm corn tortillas, or make it a salad by using chopped romaine or your favorite greens as the base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowls with a simple side of tortilla chips and fresh guacamole, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. Top each bowl with extra Cotija, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a handful of thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts until warmed through, or rewarm the chicken and corn mixture together in a skillet over medium heat. For best texture, store rice, chicken, and street corn components separately if possible. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy street corn doesn't thaw well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowl (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this bowl in advance?

A: Yes! You can prep the chicken, corn mixture, and rice ahead of time and assemble just before serving. Store the components separately for freshness.

Q: What’s the best substitute for Cotija cheese?

A: Feta cheese is the closest substitute, offering a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. Parmesan works in a pinch, too.

Q: Is there a way to make it gluten free?

A: Absolutely-this bowl is naturally gluten free if you use plain rice and double-check all packaged ingredients for hidden gluten.

These Tasty Street Corn Chicken Bowls are a total flavor party and so easy to make at home. Give them a try for your next quick dinner and let me know how you enjoyed them! Don't forget to leave a comment below or a star rating-I love hearing from you!