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30-Minute Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

4.5 from 76 reviews

This 30-Minute Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, spiced chicken, charred corn, and a zesty cilantro-lime yogurt sauce over warm jasmine or brown rice. Inspired by street corn flavors, this hearty bowl offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh tastes, ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), cut into bite-size cubes
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)

Corn and Seasonings

  • 1.5 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Cilantro-Lime Sauce

  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.5 lime juice and zest
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels. Then toss them in a bowl with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil until all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side, totaling 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and there is no pink in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Char the Corn: Wipe the skillet lightly with a paper towel to remove any stuck bits, keeping the flavorful oil. Add the corn kernels and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn develops golden-brown charred edges.
  4. Make the Cilantro-Lime Sauce: While the corn cooks, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Spoon about 1 cup of warm rice into each serving bowl. Top with the charred corn, sliced chicken, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the cilantro-lime sauce generously over the top, then finish by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, but frozen or canned work well too.
  • Cook chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough – overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it.
  • For a dairy-free sauce, substitute sour cream or a vegan mayo alternative instead of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
  • Jasmine rice provides a fragrant aroma, but brown rice can be used for more fiber and a nuttier texture.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain tenderness.

Keywords: Street Corn, Chicken Rice Bowl, Skillet Chicken, Cilantro Lime Sauce, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal