Sometimes, dinner just needs to be bold, easy, and exciting all at once. That’s exactly why this Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe became a weeknight staple in our home. It started after a summer BBQ when I had leftover grilled corn and some shredded chicken in the fridge. My husband took one bite of what I tossed together and said, “You’ve got to make this again.” That became a challenge I happily accepted, and perfected.
Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn and the comforting simplicity of a hearty rice bowl, this dish is all about smoky grilled corn, creamy spice, and juicy chicken, all on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s comfort food with flair. And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already.
If you’re a fan of easy dinner bowls like my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, or casseroles that do double-duty like this Chicken Taco Casserole, this street corn chicken rice is right up your alley.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One bowl. Full flavor. This corn chicken rice recipe is a total crowd-pleaser for a reason.
It’s customizable
Add spice, swap the cheese, or use rotisserie chicken; it’s all fair game. This dish can go smoky, creamy, tangy, or spicy depending on what you’re in the mood for.
It’s meal-prep friendly
Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. You can even serve it cold like a rice salad, similar to the vibe of our refreshing Mexican Street Corn Soup Crockpot version.
It’s perfect for families
Picky eaters? No problem. Keep the spice level mild and let everyone add their own toppings.
Street Corn Chicken Rice
This creamy, tangy, and easy Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe combines grilled corn, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice into one irresistible bowl.
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded chicken
1½ cups grilled or canned corn
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
⅓ cup crumbled cotija or feta
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese until creamy.
2. Warm the cooked rice and chicken if needed.
3. Add rice to bowls and top with shredded chicken.
4. Spoon the creamy corn mixture on top.
5. Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, and lime.
6. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Substitute cotija with feta or shredded parmesan.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for spice.
Use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy corn chicken rice bowl:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice (white or brown) | 3 cups |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Grilled or canned corn | 1½ cups |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup |
| Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled | ⅓ cup |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp |
How to Make this Street Corn Chicken Rice
- Step 1: Mix the creamy corn topping
In a bowl, combine the corn, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese. Stir until creamy. - Step 2: Assemble your base
Add warm cooked rice to serving bowls. Spoon over the shredded chicken. If it’s cold, microwave for 1 minute to warm through. - Step 3: Load it up
Top with the creamy street corn mixture. Garnish with more cheese, cilantro, and a dash of chili powder. A squeeze of lime right before serving brings it all together.
If you’ve ever made our Dorito Chicken Mexican Casserole, you’ll love the similar creamy-spicy payoff here.
Tips and Variations
- Use what you have
No grilled corn? Canned or frozen works great. Just heat it up in a pan to get some char before mixing. - Cheese swaps
Cotija adds an authentic flavor, but crumbled feta or even shredded parmesan will work. A sprinkle from your Creamed Corn Recipe leftovers brings richness. - Make it spicy
Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the corn mixture if you love heat. Try chipotle powder instead of chili powder for smoky heat. - Turn it into a skillet meal
Mix everything into a skillet with melted cheese for a dinner-style version of elote-meets-casserole. - Meal prep friendly
Store components separately for up to 4 days. Reheat and assemble when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s perfect for leftover or rotisserie chicken. Just shred and warm it up before serving.
Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely. This dish works well as a cold rice salad, just like a creamy corn bowl with protein.
What rice works best?
White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice. Just keep it fluffy and not sticky.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days if stored in airtight containers. Keep the creamy corn topping separate for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Street Corn Chicken Rice recipe is everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal; bold flavors, creamy textures, and that smoky, tangy twist that makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re throwing together leftovers or planning your weeknight dinners ahead, this bowl delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
It’s a flexible, family-friendly dish you’ll come back to again and again. You can serve it warm or cold, spicy or mild, cheesy or light, and it still works. Just like our reader-favorite Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole, this dish proves that fast meals can still feel special. Try it once, and like us, you’ll probably be too busy devouring it to snap a good photo.
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