Description
This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed meal inspired by elote, the classic Mexican street corn. Juicy, spiced grilled chicken is served over a bed of rice and topped with creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy street corn salsa. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this bowl is a balance of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Street Corn Salsa:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta, crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Extra lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
Grill or Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Street Corn Salsa
- In a bowl, mix corn, mayonnaise, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
Assemble the Bowl
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, street corn salsa, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add black beans for extra fiber and protein.
- Use grilled corn for a smoky, charred flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg