Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
There’s nothing quite like the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, also known as elote. Now, imagine those flavors infused into a hearty and satisfying chicken rice bowl! This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines smoky grilled chicken, creamy cotija cheese, sweet corn, and a zesty lime crema for a meal that’s bursting with flavor.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option that keeps well for lunches throughout the week. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the elements of street corn in a well-balanced and protein-packed bowl.
What makes this recipe special is its combination of textures—tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp corn, and creamy sauce. Every bite is packed with a delicious contrast of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal, a healthier alternative to takeout, or a fun way to use up leftover rice, this dish has you covered. It’s easy to customize and pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
- Packed with Flavor: Smoky, tangy, creamy, and spicy—this dish has it all.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Perfect Pairings
- A refreshing agua fresca or margarita for a complete meal experience.
- A side of black beans or Mexican coleslaw for extra fiber and crunch.
- Serve with warm tortillas to turn it into a taco bowl.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best natural sweetness.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- If you prefer crispy rice, toast it lightly in the skillet before assembling the bowls.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Street Corn Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese or feta, if unavailable
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lime
For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 avocado diced
- Extra cilantro and cotija cheese for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest before slicing.
- Make the Street Corn Mixture: In a bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Assemble the Rice Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, street corn mixture, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with extra cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for extra zest. Enjoy!
Common Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster. Just mix it with some lime juice and spices for extra flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap out the cotija cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free sour cream or Greek yogurt.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Alternatives and Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add grilled tofu or black beans.
- Low-Carb: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a bowl-style salad.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas for texture.
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect balance of bold flavors, protein, and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a meal-prep option, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Try it today and let the flavors transport you straight to the streets of Mexico!
