Description
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a mouthwatering combination of several delicious components. At its core, it includes Mexican street corn, also known as elote, perfectly grilled chicken, and seasoned rice. Together, these ingredients create a dish that has an irresistible balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 ears of corn, husked
1 cup white rice (or brown rice)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (substitute with vegan mayo for dairy-free)
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (substitute with vegan cheese for dairy-free)
1 tsp chili powder
2–3 lime wedges (for garnish)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Grill the Corn: While the chicken is grilling, grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until it’s charred and cooked through. Once done, remove from the grill, cool for a minute, and cut off the kernels from the cob.
Prepare the Rice: While the corn and chicken are grilling, cook the rice in a rice cooker or stovetop according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Notes
Grill Options: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can easily use a grill pan on your stovetop or even roast the chicken and corn in the oven. If using the oven, roast the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, and roast the corn on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Alternative Proteins: If you prefer a different protein, you can swap out the chicken for steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian or pescatarian version. Grilled shrimp or portobello mushrooms make excellent substitutes.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat level to your liking. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder in both the corn and the chicken. For a spicier kick, try adding finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top.
Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, use vegan mayo and substitute cotija cheese with vegan cheese or simply omit the cheese altogether. The creamy mayo mixture still provides a rich flavor without dairy.
Rice Variations: While traditional white rice works perfectly in this dish, feel free to substitute it with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Each option will bring a slightly different texture and nutritional profile.
Make It Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep. Grill the chicken and corn ahead of time, cook the rice, and store everything separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the components and assemble the bowl. This is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions: To make this dish even more filling, you can serve it with a side of beans, avocado slices, or a simple side salad. If you like a bit of crunch, add some crushed tortilla chips as a topping.
Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or corn, you can repurpose them for tacos, wraps, or salads. The flavors also pair beautifully in a quesadilla or served with some salsa and chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, Elote Chicken Rice Bowl, Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl, Mexican Street Corn Rice Bowl