Mexican Chicken Rice Bowl, Elote Chicken Rice Bowl, Creamy Corn Chicken Bowl

Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Introduction

If you’re craving bold, smoky, and creamy flavors, this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect dish! Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), this bowl combines juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy corn topping for a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly dish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, delicious flavors – Inspired by classic street corn with a creamy, tangy, and smoky taste.
  • Simple & quick – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy nights.
  • High-protein & filling – Chicken and rice make this a hearty, balanced meal.
  • Easily customizable – Swap proteins, adjust spices, or use different grains to make it your own.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To make this flavorful and satisfying dish, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Street Corn Topping:
  • 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
For the Rice Bowl:
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
  • Diced avocado
  • Extra cotija cheese
  • Hot sauce
  • Jalapeño slices

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rice cooker or saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice – Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once done, stir in butter, lime zest, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Keep warm.
  2. Season & Cook the Chicken – In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Street Corn Topping – If using fresh or frozen corn, lightly char it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to coat the corn in the creamy mixture.
  4. Assemble the Bowls – Divide the cooked rice between serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and a generous spoonful of the street corn topping.
  5. Garnish & Serve – Add optional toppings like diced avocado, extra cotija cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Use grilled or pan-seared chicken for extra smoky flavor.
  • Char the corn for an authentic street corn taste—use a skillet, oven, or grill.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or jalapeño slices.
  • For extra creaminess, mix some queso fresco or cheddar into the corn topping.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap the protein – Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Use different grains – Try quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a twist.
  • Make it dairy-free – Use dairy-free mayo and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • Turn it into tacos – Serve the chicken and street corn mixture in warm tortillas instead of over rice.
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavors! A quick and easy dinner idea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the chicken – Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
  • Using too much dressing on the corn – A little goes a long way; don’t overdo the mayo and sour cream.
  • Skipping the lime juice – Lime enhances the flavors and adds freshness—don’t leave it out!

What to Serve with Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This dish is filling on its own, but you can pair it with:

  • Warm tortillas – For scooping up the rice and corn mixture.
  • Black beans or refried beans – Adds extra protein and texture.
  • Simple green salad – A fresh side balances the richness of the dish.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing – Store the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating – Warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Add the street corn topping fresh after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken, rice, and street corn topping separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Just thaw and char it in a hot skillet for extra flavor.

Is there a way to make this low-carb?
Yes! Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice to keep it low-carb.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute with a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

Conclusion

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the deliciousness of Mexican street corn and seasoned chicken together in one bowl. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly smoky, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you make it for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more easy, flavorful meal ideas.

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This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavors! A quick and easy dinner idea.

Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner, Bowl
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Description

This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful combination of juicy seasoned chicken, creamy street corn topping, and fluffy rice. Inspired by Mexican elote, it’s smoky, tangy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for an easy dinner or meal prep!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

For the Street Corn Topping:

  • 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)

For the Rice Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Diced avocado
  • Extra cotija cheese
  • Hot sauce
  • Jalapeño slices

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Stir in butter, lime zest, and salt for extra flavor.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Toss the chicken with olive oil, spices, and lime juice. Sear in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Street Corn Topping:

  • Lightly char the corn in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix corn with mayo, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro.

4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls:

  • Divide cooked rice into bowls.
  • Top with chicken and a generous spoonful of the creamy corn topping.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Add optional toppings like diced avocado, extra cotija cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Enjoy!


Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken or char the corn on an open flame.
  • Make it spicier by adding extra chili powder or sliced jalapeños.
  • Meal prep friendly – Store chicken, rice, and toppings separately and assemble fresh!

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