The Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a delicious fusion of zesty, smoky, and creamy flavors inspired by classic elote (Mexican street corn). This dish combines juicy grilled chicken, fire-roasted corn, tangy lime crema, and bold seasonings, making it the perfect quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: A mix of smoky, tangy, and creamy tastes in every bite.
- Quick and easy: Simple steps with minimal prep time.
- Healthy and satisfying: High in protein and full of fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Fire-roasted corn kernels
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime juice
- Hot sauce (optional)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Prepare the Lime Crema: Mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with lime juice and a dash of hot sauce if desired. Stir well.
- Assemble the Bowl: Layer cooked rice or quinoa at the base. Top with sliced grilled chicken, fire-roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, avocado, and Cotija cheese.
- Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with lime crema, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute grilled tofu or black beans for the chicken.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
- Extra Creaminess: Mix in some mashed avocado with the lime crema.
- Different Cheese: Try feta or shredded Mexican cheese blend instead of Cotija.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze grilled chicken separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm chicken and rice in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fire-roasted corn?
Yes, but for extra flavor, char the canned corn in a skillet before using.
What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese or Parmesan are great alternatives.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt for the crema and omit the cheese.
How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer and remove when it reaches 165°F.
Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes! Store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating for the best texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice or quinoa.
What can I serve with this dish?
A side of tortilla chips, black beans, or a fresh side salad pairs well.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
How can I make this meal more filling?
Add a scoop of black beans or roasted sweet potatoes.
Can I add a sauce for extra flavor?
A drizzle of chipotle mayo or avocado dressing works great.
Conclusion
The Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a bold, fresh, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy it fresh, customize to your liking, and savor every bite!
PrintVibrant Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is packed with smoky grilled chicken, creamy elote-style corn, fresh veggies, and a tangy lime crema. It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Mexican Street Corn (Elote-Style):
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
For the Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
- Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Let rest, then slice or dice.
- Make the Mexican Street Corn:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the corn until slightly charred (4-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, paprika, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Prepare the Lime Crema:
- Mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide rice into bowls.
- Top with grilled chicken, Mexican street corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
- Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with extra cilantro and cotija cheese.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Mix everything together and enjoy a vibrant, flavorful Mexican-inspired bowl!
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or steak for variety.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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