Introduction
The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a bold and satisfying meal inspired by elote — the beloved Mexican grilled street corn. This dish combines juicy grilled chicken, sweet and smoky corn, tangy lime, creamy mayo, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs — all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and street-food-style flair, and it’s endlessly customizable.
—
Origin and Cultural Significance
This bowl draws inspiration from Mexican street corn (elote) — a popular street food in Mexico where corn on the cob is grilled and slathered in mayo, lime juice, cheese, chili powder, and cilantro. It’s bold, tangy, rich, and utterly addictive. Combining it with grilled chicken and rice turns this traditional snack into a complete meal, merging classic Mexican flavors with modern meal-prep convenience. It pays homage to Mexico’s vibrant street food culture while offering a satisfying, balanced dish for everyday eating.
—
Ingredients Quantity (Serves 4)
Chicken Marinade:
1½ tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Main Dish:
4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups grilled corn kernels (approx. 3–4 ears of corn or canned/drained)
⅓ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija cheese)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1–2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)
3 cups cooked white or brown rice
Optional: ½ teaspoon chili powder or Tajín for garnish
—
Optional Additions
Diced avocado or guacamole
Black beans or pinto beans for extra fiber
Sliced jalapeños or pickled onions for spice and tang
Hot sauce or chipotle crema drizzle
Shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter touch
—
Tips for Success
Pound chicken to even thickness so it cooks uniformly on the grill or pan.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–3 hours for max flavor.
Grill corn for that authentic char, or use a hot skillet if fresh corn isn’t available.
Assemble while warm so the mayo mixture slightly melts into the rice — it’s magic.
Use cotija cheese if available for a more traditional street corn taste.
—
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden brown.
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Prepare the Street Corn Mix:
In a large bowl, combine grilled corn kernels, mayonnaise, feta or cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and optional chili powder. Stir to combine.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In 4 serving bowls, add ¾ cup cooked rice.
Top with sliced chicken and generous spoonfuls of the street corn mix.
Garnish with more cilantro, lime wedges, chili powder, avocado, or hot sauce as desired.
—
Description
Every bowl is a celebration of textures and flavors: the charred sweetness of grilled corn, the zesty lime, the creamy and tangy mayo-cheese blend, and the juicy, spiced chicken, all served over fluffy rice. It’s comforting and exciting, simple yet layered — and incredibly satisfying.
—
Nutritional Information (Approx. per bowl)
Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: ~600mg
> Varies with toppings and rice type.
—
Conclusion
The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed fusion meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and brings together classic Mexican flavors with modern nutrition and convenience. Every bite is a vibrant celebration of taste and texture.
—
Recommendation
Serve with:
A chilled glass of agua fresca or lime soda
Tortilla chips and salsa or a simple green salad
Store leftovers in meal-prep containers for quick weekday meals
It’s great for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, and it’ll leave everyone wanting seconds.
—
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To enjoy this dish more mindfully:
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice
Use light feta or less cheese to reduce fat
Load up on veggies like grilled zucchini, tomatoes, or lettuce
Try grilled tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian option