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A hearty Chicken Street Corn Bowl topped with grilled chicken, corn, avocado, feta, cilantro, and a creamy drizzle.

Easy Street Corn Chicken Bowl

This vibrant bowl brings the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn together with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 530

Ingredients
  

For the Seasoned Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
For the Creamy Street Corn
  • 2 cans whole kernel corn 15 oz each, drained well
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing corn
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 lime juiced, plus wedges for serving
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
  • To taste salt
For Serving
  • 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
  • 1 avocado sliced or diced (optional)
  • Hot sauce optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Rice Cooker (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Rice
  1. Cook your rice according to package directions. For 2 cups of cooked rice, you'll typically start with about 1 cup of uncooked rice and 2 cups of water.
Cook the Chicken
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Set aside.
Make the Creamy Street Corn
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the well-drained corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to char slightly and develop a roasted flavor.
  2. While the corn is cooking, in a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and optional pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed (Cotija cheese is salty, so add judiciously).
  3. Once the corn is charred, remove the skillet from heat and add the creamy sauce mixture. Stir gently until the corn is evenly coated.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the air-fried seasoned chicken and the creamy street corn.
  3. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, sliced or diced avocado (if using), and a lime wedge. Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or chop and toss with the spices and a drizzle of oil, then warm it through. If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and browned.