Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl
This vibrant bowl is inspired by Elote (Mexican street corn). It features juicy grilled chicken, charred corn tossed in a creamy chili-lime sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn:
3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp chili powder
Juice of ½ lime
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Rice Base:
1 ½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
Bowl Toppings:
1 avocado, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Extra cilantro & lime wedges
Optional: jalapeno slices, hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate & Cook Chicken
Mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, lime juice, salt & pepper.
Coat chicken and marinate 15–20 minutes.
Grill or pan-sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 2: Make the Street Corn
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Add corn and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly charred.
Remove from heat, stir in mayo, garlic, chili powder, lime juice, cotija, and cilantro.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Add rice as the base.
Top with sliced chicken.
Add a scoop of creamy street corn.
Garnish with avocado, tomatoes, extra cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes & Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for a super quick version.
Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Cotija cheese is authentic, but feta works as a substitute.
For meal prep → store chicken, corn, and rice separately, assemble before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this spicy?
✅ Yes, add diced jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
✅ Yes, just thaw and dry before charring in the skillet.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
✅ Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese, or use dairy-free cheese.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sugar: 5 g
