The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful fusion of tender grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and the bold flavors of Mexican street corn. This dish brings together the smokiness of charred corn, the creaminess of cotija cheese, and the freshness of cilantro and lime, creating a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and invigorating. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this bowl offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and smoked paprika, ties everything together, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (preferably grilled or charred)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions:
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Season and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and smoked paprika until well combined.
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Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each with equal portions of the cooked chicken and corn kernels.
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Add Toppings: Drizzle the creamy sauce over each bowl. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
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Serve: Place a lime wedge on each bowl for squeezing over the top just before eating.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Grilled Chicken and Mexican Street Corn Rice Bowl
Introduction
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fusion of bold, smoky, and creamy flavors inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote). This recipe takes the classic flavors of elote—grilled corn, tangy cotija cheese, creamy sauce, and zesty lime—and pairs them with juicy grilled chicken and fluffy rice for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a delicious way to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors at home, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s nutrient-dense, high in protein, and completely customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
The Story Behind Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved street food staple in Mexico, often sold by vendors at markets, festivals, and street corners. Traditionally, it features grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayo, crema, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and sometimes butter. The result is an explosion of flavors—smoky, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
By incorporating these elements into a rice bowl, we make the dish more versatile, hearty, and easy to enjoy with a fork. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a balanced meal packed with lean protein, while rice serves as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold Flavors: The combination of grilled chicken, smoky paprika sauce, charred corn, and cotija cheese creates a delicious depth of flavor.
Nutritious & Balanced: This meal offers lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, keeping you full and energized.
Customizable: You can swap proteins, change the base, or adjust spice levels to fit your dietary needs.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it in advance and enjoy delicious, ready-to-go meals throughout the week.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
Chicken (Lean Protein)
- High in protein, keeping you full and supporting muscle growth.
- A great source of B vitamins, which help with energy production.
- Can be swapped for shrimp, tofu, or steak for variation.
Rice (Carbohydrate Base)
- Provides energy and pairs well with bold Mexican flavors.
- Choose brown rice for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Can be replaced with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cilantro-lime rice for variety.
Corn (Natural Sweetness & Smoky Flavor)
- A good source of fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
- Grilling or charring the corn enhances its natural sweetness and depth.
- Can be replaced with fire-roasted canned corn or frozen corn for convenience.
Cotija Cheese (Salty & Tangy)
- Adds a unique savory and creamy element to the dish.
- Can be replaced with feta cheese or queso fresco if cotija isn’t available.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise (Creamy Sauce Base)
- Creates the signature rich and tangy sauce found on elote.
- You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
Smoked Paprika & Chili Powder (Warm & Smoky Spices)
- Enhance the grilled flavor of the corn and chicken.
- Add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Lime (Freshness & Brightness)
- Provides a burst of acidity that balances the rich and smoky flavors.
- Helps enhance iron absorption from the chicken.
How to Customize Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Make It Spicier
- Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to kick up the heat.
Make It Healthier
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.
- Opt for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for more fiber.
Make It Dairy-Free
- Swap cotija cheese for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Use vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt in the sauce.
Make It Vegetarian
- Replace chicken with grilled tofu, black beans, or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
Make It Even More Flavorful
- Add sautéed onions, black beans, or avocado slices for extra texture and depth.
- Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Warm flour or corn tortillas to turn it into tacos.
- A side of guacamole or pico de gallo for extra freshness.
- Mexican-style black beans for added protein and fiber.
- A refreshing agua fresca or margarita to complete the meal.
How to Meal Prep This Recipe
- Cook the rice and grill the chicken in advance. Store separately in airtight containers.
- Make the creamy sauce and store in a small container.
- Portion out the corn, cheese, and cilantro in individual servings.
- Assemble when ready to eat – just reheat the rice and chicken, then add toppings and sauce.
This method ensures freshness and convenience, perfect for busy weekdays.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich dish that brings the essence of Mexican street food to your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a family dinner, or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe is simple, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Mexican street food in every bite!