If you’re craving something that’s hearty, zesty, and full of fun flavors, the Street Corn Chicken Bowl is your new best friend. Think of tender grilled chicken, sweet roasted corn, and a sprinkle of cheese all coming together with creamy, tangy dressing—all in one colorful bowl. It’s basically like taking your favorite street food and giving it a cozy, home-cooked twist. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even a busy weeknight won’t stand in your way. Your taste buds are about to thank you.
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Street Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A colorful, easy-to-make bowl with roasted chicken, sweet corn, rice, and creamy lime-yogurt dressing. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup Cotija or shredded cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Optional toppings: avocado, diced tomatoes, hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil and spices. Roast 15–20 min. Roast corn separately with olive oil, salt, and chili powder.
- Mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt for dressing.
- Assemble bowls: rice base, add chicken and corn, drizzle dressing, sprinkle cheese and cilantro, and top with optional ingredients. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store components separately for meal prep.
- Chicken and corn can be frozen; assemble bowls fresh.
- Adjust spices to taste for mild or spicy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Table of Contents
Quick and easy meal prep
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Most of the ingredients can be roasted or cooked in under 20 minutes. If you plan ahead, you can even prep the chicken and corn earlier in the week, then assemble the bowls in minutes. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping for lunch, or even feeding a crowd without stress.
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Bowl
What you’ll need
Creating a flavorful Street Corn Chicken Bowl starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a clear table with everything organized so you can shop and prep without confusion:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thighs | 1 lb | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Corn kernels | 1 ½ cups | Fresh, canned, or frozen |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For roasting chicken and corn |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Adds depth of flavor |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Optional, for smoky flavor |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Lime | 1 | Juice for tangy dressing |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | ¼ cup | For creamy topping |
| Cotija or shredded cheese | ¼ cup | Optional, for garnish |
| Cilantro | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish |
| Cooked rice or quinoa | 2 cups | Base for the bowl |
| Optional toppings | – | Sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, hot sauce |
Tips for ingredient prep
- Pre-cook or roast your chicken and corn while preparing other toppings to save time.
- Adjust chili powder and paprika to match your spice preference.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, healthier version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken and corn
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet. On a separate sheet, toss corn kernels with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of chili powder. Roast the chicken and corn for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the corn has a slight char.
Step 2: Make the creamy dressing
While the chicken and corn are roasting, prepare a tangy, creamy dressing. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream with the juice of one lime, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper. Stir well until smooth. This adds a cool, zesty layer that balances the smoky, spicy flavors of the chicken and corn.
Step 3: Assemble the Street Corn Chicken Bowl
Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa in each bowl. Add roasted chicken and corn on top. Drizzle with the lime yogurt dressing, then sprinkle cotija or shredded cheese and fresh cilantro over the bowl. Optional toppings like diced avocado or tomatoes can be added for extra color and flavor. Serve warm for a satisfying, flavorful meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
How to store your Street Corn Chicken Bowl
Street Corn Chicken Bowl is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Store cooked chicken, roasted corn, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This method keeps each component fresh and prevents sogginess. Properly stored, everything stays good for 3–4 days. Keep the creamy lime dressing in a small jar or container on its own to drizzle just before serving.
Freezing tips
If you want to prep ahead for the week, you can freeze the chicken and corn. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, and label with the date. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Avoid freezing the dressing, as it may separate; it’s best made fresh.
Quick assembly for busy days
For fast weekday meals, cook all components ahead of time. When it’s mealtime, simply reheat chicken and corn, assemble bowls with rice, add dressing, sprinkle cheese and cilantro, and top with any extras like avocado or lime wedges. This makes a flavorful, homemade meal in under 10 minutes. Preparing everything in advance saves time while still delivering that vibrant, street-food-inspired flavor your family will love.
FAQ Section for Street Corn Chicken Bowl
What is a Street Corn Chicken Bowl?
A Street Corn Chicken Bowl combines seasoned, roasted chicken with charred corn, rice or quinoa, creamy lime dressing, and optional toppings like cheese, avocado, or cilantro. It’s inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn but served in a convenient, all-in-one bowl.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas, black beans, or tofu for a plant-based version. Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan cheese to keep it completely vegan while retaining the creamy, tangy flavors.
How long does it stay fresh?
Cooked components like chicken, corn, and rice can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the lime-yogurt dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Can I meal prep this bowl?
Absolutely! Cook all ingredients ahead of time and store them in individual containers. When ready to eat, reheat chicken and corn, then assemble the bowls. It’s perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Bowl is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the taste of street food into your kitchen. With tender roasted chicken, sweet corn, a tangy lime-yogurt dressing, and vibrant toppings, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. By prepping ingredients ahead of time, you can assemble these bowls in minutes while still enjoying fresh, homemade flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a colorful, hearty, and crowd-pleasing meal every time.