If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a little kick, look no further than this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Inspired by the beloved Mexican street corn, or “Elote,” this bowl combines the savory, grilled flavors of chicken and corn with a rich, creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a crowd-pleasing meal, or a fun twist on a classic dish, this recipe hits all the right notes.
In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of this dish, step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and a few expert tips to ensure your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a hit every time you make it. Let’s dive in!
What is a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious, hearty meal that combines grilled chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a zesty street corn mixture inspired by the famous Mexican dish, Elote. Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, features charred corn on the cob topped with a tangy combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
In this recipe, the corn is removed from the cob and combined with creamy ingredients to make a flavorful topping. The rice serves as the perfect base, while the grilled chicken provides a rich, protein-packed component. The result is a balanced and flavorful bowl that combines the best of all worlds creamy, spicy, smoky, and savory.
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
1. Perfect Blend of Flavors
The combination of charred, smoky corn, seasoned grilled chicken, and creamy, tangy elote sauce makes every bite a burst of flavor. The addition of lime juice adds a refreshing tang, while the chili powder gives it a delightful kick.
2. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This recipe is relatively simple and doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. From grilling the chicken and corn to mixing the street corn sauce, the dish comes together quickly and easily.
3. Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Add a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh touch, diced avocado for creaminess, or jalapeños for an extra spice kick. You can also use your favorite hot sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish. These ingredients blend together perfectly, offering a combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The lean protein that serves as the hearty base of the bowl. -
1 cup long-grain rice
The ideal choice for the base, providing the perfect texture to complement the other ingredients. -
2 ears of corn, husked
Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and a charred smokiness once grilled. -
¼ cup mayonnaise
The creamy element in the street corn sauce that brings everything together. -
¼ cup sour cream
Adds a tangy, rich flavor to the street corn mixture. -
¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
This salty, crumbly cheese is a key ingredient in Elote, offering a distinctive flavor to the dish. -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
A refreshing acidity that brightens up the dish. -
1 tablespoon chili powder
Gives the street corn mix its characteristic spicy, smoky flavor. -
1 tablespoon olive oil
For brushing the corn and chicken, ensuring they don’t stick to the grill while adding a bit of richness. -
Salt and pepper to taste
Essential for seasoning the chicken and corn.
Optional Toppings:
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Chopped cilantro
For a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the dish. -
Diced avocado
A creamy addition that enhances the overall texture of the bowl. -
Sliced jalapeños
Add heat if you like a little more spice in your meal. -
Hot sauce
Drizzle your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions for Making Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by preparing the long-grain rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep it warm. The rice serves as the perfect base for this bowl, providing a neutral foundation that lets the flavors of the grilled chicken and street corn shine.
Step 2: Grill the Corn and Chicken
Next, brush the ears of corn and the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season them with salt and pepper. Grill the corn and chicken over medium heat. For the corn, you’ll want it to be charred on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. For the chicken, grill for about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
Once the chicken and corn are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Elote Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until all the ingredients are well-mixed into a creamy, tangy sauce.
Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and stir them into the mixture. This will create a vibrant, flavorful topping for your rice and chicken.
Step 4: Slice the Chicken
After the chicken has had a chance to rest, slice it into thin strips. This allows it to distribute evenly over the rice, ensuring every bite has the perfect amount of chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Spoon the cooked rice into bowls, then layer on the sliced grilled chicken. Add a generous scoop of the elote mixture over the top, making sure to get a good amount of the creamy sauce and the charred corn in each bite.
Step 6: Add Toppings
For the finishing touch, garnish the bowl with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. These toppings add a burst of freshness, creaminess, and heat, elevating the flavors of the dish even further.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is now ready to serve! The combination of smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, and creamy elote sauce makes for a satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy it with family and friends or on your own!
Tips for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
1. Grill the Corn and Chicken to Perfection
Grilling is key to achieving that smoky flavor. Make sure to turn the corn frequently to get an even char, and don’t be afraid to leave the chicken on the grill for the full 10-12 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked and juicy.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh corn on the cob makes a big difference in flavor and texture. If you don’t have access to fresh corn, frozen or canned corn can be substituted, but nothing beats the taste of freshly grilled corn.
3. Customize the Toppings
While the suggested toppings of avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and hot sauce are perfect for adding extra flavor and texture, don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Try adding pickled red onions, radishes, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for added flair.
4. Make It a Meal Prep Favorite
This recipe is great for meal prepping! Simply store the ingredients in separate containers, and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat. The grilled chicken and street corn mixture keeps well in the fridge for several days.
Nutritional Information
Each Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies, making it a nutritious and well-balanced meal. A typical serving contains around 500-600 calories, depending on the toppings you choose. This dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?
Yes, you can substitute frozen corn if fresh corn is unavailable. However, fresh grilled corn adds a unique smoky flavor to the dish, which enhances the overall taste.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a great healthier alternative. Keep in mind that it may take longer to cook compared to white rice.
3. How can I make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl spicier?
For extra spice, add more chili powder to the elote mixture or top the bowl with sliced fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply replace the grilled chicken with additional grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect blend of smoky, savory, creamy, and zesty flavors that come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend meal prep, or to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of grilled chicken, charred corn, and creamy elote sauce will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this fun, flavorful twist on Mexican street corn. You’ll love every bite!
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe with Elote Twist
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring grilled chicken, creamy street corn (elote), and fluffy rice. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that brings bold flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup long-grain rice
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2 ears of corn, husked
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
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Chopped cilantro
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Diced avocado
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Sliced jalapeños
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Hot sauce
Instructions
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Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
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Grill the Corn & Chicken: Brush the chicken and corn with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked, and grill the corn until charred.
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Make the Elote Mixture: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. Cut the kernels off the grilled corn and stir them into the mixture.
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Slice the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
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Assemble the Bowl: Spoon the rice into bowls, top with sliced chicken, and generously add the street corn mixture.
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Add Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado, sliced jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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You can swap the chicken for grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
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If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add more hot sauce.
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The street corn mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Bowl Meal
- Method: Grilled, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, Grilled Chicken, Elote, Mexican Bowl Meal, Healthy Rice Bowl, Easy Dinner, Street Corn, Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe, Summer Bowl Meal