Name: Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; Zest of 1 lime; 1 ½ cups long grain white rice; 3 cups water or chicken broth; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional); 2 cups frozen or fresh corn; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Juice of ½ lime; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; ⅓ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; Optional toppings: diced avocado, jalapeños, hot sauce, extra lime wedges

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. If you love the bold flavors of garlic, lime, and creamy street corn all packed into one colorful bowl, you’re in the right place. This garlic lime street corn chicken rice bowl combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken, zesty lime, and a creamy corn topping served over fluffy rice for the ultimate satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and texture, and a favorite among busy home cooks who want to keep things simple but never boring.

This Mexican-style rice bowl makes a great weeknight dinner, but it’s also meal-prep ready, lunchbox-friendly, and sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s break down why this flavorful bowl deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Everything cooks in under 40 minutes, making it a fast, low-stress dinner
Combines juicy chicken, sweet corn, creamy dressing, and fluffy rice in one dish
Balanced with protein, carbs, and fats for a complete meal
Loved by both adults and picky eaters, perfect for family-friendly dinners
Brings a street food vibe into your kitchen with easy-to-find ingredients

Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
Zest of 1 lime

For the Rice

1 ½ cups long grain white rice
3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Street Corn Topping

2 cups frozen corn (or fresh off the cob), charred in a skillet
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of ½ lime
¼ teaspoon chili powder
⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

For Garnish

Diced avocado
Extra lime wedges
Fresh cilantro
Optional: chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for heat

This ingredient list is made for four generous servings and scales up easily for weekly meal prep.

Try this Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for another hearty bowl meal.

How to Make Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Cook the rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Bring water or broth to a boil, add salt and rice, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and optional cilantro.
Make the corn topping: In a hot dry skillet, add corn and cook until lightly charred, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. In a bowl, mix charred corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, lime juice, chili powder, cotija, and cilantro.
Cook the chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and zest. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Assemble the bowls: Add rice to each bowl, top with cooked chicken, a generous scoop of street corn topping, and any garnishes like avocado, jalapeños, lime wedges, or fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately: This dish is best hot, but the leftovers taste just as great reheated the next day.

If you enjoy one-skillet recipes, check out this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Lime Chicken Bowls

This rice bowl makes a full meal on its own, but it pairs well with sides or drinks if you’re feeding a crowd or want variety on the table. Here are some tasty serving ideas.

Set up a build-your-own rice bowl bar for family dinners. Put out bowls of toppings like diced tomatoes, extra cheese, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, pickled onions, or salsa. Everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.

Pair this bowl with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole, or a fresh green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. A cold glass of sparkling lime water or a chilled horchata can round it out beautifully.

Want a lighter option? Serve it over a bed of chopped romaine or shredded cabbage for a garlic lime street corn chicken salad bowl with crunch.

If you’re serving this for a casual get-together, small portions of this dish can work well as part of a larger spread featuring Mexican-inspired recipes.

Complement your meal with this creamy Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe.

Easy Ways to Customize Your Chicken Bowl

This garlic lime street corn chicken rice bowl is flexible and easy to adjust based on dietary needs, preferences, or what’s in your fridge.

Swap the protein: Use shrimp, grilled steak strips, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Go low-carb: Substitute cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for the rice base.
Add extra vegetables: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, black beans, or shredded carrots.
Make it dairy-free: Use vegan mayo and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Adjust the spice: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a chipotle crema for extra kick.

It’s a solid base recipe you can build on or simplify as needed. This makes it perfect for families with different taste preferences or for prepping several bowls ahead for the week.

Looking for more bold flavors? Try this Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken.

Storing & Reheating Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Bowl

To store, keep each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the texture and flavor fresh when reheated.

For reheating, microwave the chicken and rice together for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep moisture. The corn topping can be reheated or served cold, depending on preference.

If making for meal prep, assemble bowls but keep toppings like avocado or cilantro separate until serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Lime Chicken Rice Bowl

Marinate the chicken: Let the chicken sit in the seasoning and lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.
Char the corn properly: Use a dry, hot skillet and don’t stir constantly. Let it sit undisturbed to get that smoky, toasty flavor.
Don’t overcook the rice: Watch your simmer time and let it rest before fluffing to prevent mushiness.
Use fresh lime juice and zest: It brings bright, zesty contrast that bottled juice can’t match.
Warm the bowls: Before assembling, microwave or warm the serving bowls. This helps everything stay hot longer and gives a more restaurant-style finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Skipping the seasoning: This dish relies on bold spices. Don’t forget the garlic, paprika, and lime zest in the chicken marinade.
Overcooking the chicken: Chicken thighs stay juicy, but overcooking can dry them out. Use a meat thermometer and pull at 165°F.
Using soggy corn: Make sure to drain and dry your corn before charring. Wet corn steams instead of toasting.
Mushy rice: Don’t use too much liquid or stir while cooking. Stick to the 2:1 water-to-rice ratio and resist peeking.
Assembling too early: If serving later, keep hot and cold components separate to avoid sogginess or dryness.

Conclusion

This garlic lime street corn chicken rice bowl brings together everything you want in a quick, flavorful meal, tender chicken, zesty lime, creamy corn, and a comforting rice base. It’s bold, colorful, and simple enough for a weeknight but exciting enough for guests.

With just a bit of prep and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a dinner that checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and family appeal. Give it a try and make it your own with your favorite toppings and swaps.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

What kind of chicken works best for garlic lime street corn chicken rice bowl?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Dice into even pieces for even cooking.

Can I make garlic lime street corn chicken rice bowl ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare rice, chicken, and street corn separately. Store in airtight containers and assemble just before eating for best results.

Is garlic lime chicken bowl spicy?

It has mild warmth from chili powder and paprika. You can increase spice by adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños during cooking or serving.

What cheese can I substitute in garlic lime street corn chicken rice bowl?

Feta cheese is a great stand-in for cotija. It’s salty, crumbly, and blends well with lime and creamy corn flavors.

Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl | Fresh Easy Dinner Recipe

Author: Ellie Courses: Lunch

Ellie Monroe

Hi, I’m Ellie Monroe, a food blogger and mom from Asheville, North Carolina. I share easy chicken recipes and family meals that make cooking stress-free and joyful. When I’m not cooking, I love traveling, exploring food spots, and family time.

Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl | Fresh Easy Dinner Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Lime Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl