Description
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street food (elote). This bowl features grilled chicken, smoky and creamy corn, and a base of fluffy rice, delivering a perfect balance of tang, spice, and freshness. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a street food vibe, this dish is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
-
Chicken Breasts or Thighs
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
-
Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken and corn)
-
Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
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Paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
-
Fresh Corn (or Frozen Corn)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn if fresh)
-
Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for the street corn topping)
-
Cotija Cheese (or Feta Cheese)
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
-
Fresh Cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime Juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your choice)
- Optional Toppings
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salsa
- Extra fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken or cook it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Prepare the street corn topping:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s slightly charred.
- Stir in mayonnaise, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Mix until the corn is fully coated.
- Assemble the bowls:
- In each bowl, start with a base of rice, then add the sliced chicken on top.
- Spoon the street corn mixture over the chicken and rice, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Optional toppings:
- Add avocado, extra lime juice, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based protein or roasted chickpeas and swap the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.
- For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- For a lighter option, you can swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- You can add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein.
- If making ahead, store components separately and assemble just before serving.