his Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful fusion of tender marinated chicken, charred corn, and creamy lime mayo over a bed of rice. Inspired by classic Mexican street corn (Elote), this dish brings together smoky, tangy, and savory flavors in a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, offering a delicious and nutritious option with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – A mix of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements for a delicious experience.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Customizable – Use your favorite rice, adjust the spice levels, or swap proteins.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
- Balanced & Nutritious – High in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, mix diced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Char the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn kernels and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the cooked chicken and charred corn. Sprinkle with cotija cheese.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle the lime mayo over the top, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap cotija cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Extra Protein: Add black beans or top with a fried egg.
- Different Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or steak instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat. Add extra lime juice for freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker. Just season it and warm it up before assembling the bowl.
What’s the best type of rice for this recipe?
White, brown, or cilantro-lime rice all work great. You can also try quinoa for a different twist.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
How do I make the corn even more flavorful?
Grill fresh corn on the cob, then cut off the kernels for an extra smoky flavor.
Is cotija cheese necessary?
No, but it adds a salty, tangy bite. You can use feta or Parmesan as alternatives.
How can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh.
Can I add avocado?
Absolutely! Sliced avocado or guacamole makes a delicious topping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check labels on seasonings and condiments.
Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?
Yes! Store everything separately and assemble before eating for the best texture.
What other toppings can I add?
Sliced radishes, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions would all be great additions.
Conclusion
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that brings the bold flavors of street food to your table. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving a satisfying dinner, this dish is a must-try. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal any day of the week!
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, a vibrant and satisfying dish inspired by classic Mexican street food. This easy-to-make meal features juicy marinated chicken, smoky charred corn, fluffy rice, and a zesty lime mayo sauce, all topped with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or a quick, nutritious lunch, this dish is packed with protein and flavor!
Ingredients
Protein & Grains
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
Vegetables
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Dairy
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss diced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Char the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn kernels and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer cooked rice in serving bowls. Top with chicken, charred corn, and crumbled cotija cheese.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle the lime mayonnaise sauce over the bowl, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken seasoning.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cotija cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days and assemble when ready to eat.
- Extra Toppings: Try adding avocado, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
