Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion: Combines the savory taste of seasoned chicken with the sweet and smoky notes of grilled corn.
- Creamy and Tangy: The lime-infused sauce adds a refreshing tang that complements the richness of the cotija cheese.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with additional toppings like avocado, black beans, or extra cilantro to suit your preferences.
- Simple Preparation: Straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Balanced Meal: Offers a satisfying combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one bowl.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Lime juice
- Avocado oil
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- Sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible)
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Cotija cheese
- Chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges
For the Rice and Assembly:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
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Prepare the Street Corn Topping: In a separate bowl, combine grilled corn kernels, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Assemble the Bowls: Place a serving of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with sliced chicken and a generous portion of the street corn mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
- Marinating Time: 15-30 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 50-65 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, turkey, or even grilled shrimp for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Grain Base: Instead of jasmine rice, use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Additional Toppings: Enhance the bowl with extras like diced avocado, black beans, pickled jalapeños, or extra cotija cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave until warmed through. The street corn topping is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, gently warm it separately to maintain its texture.
FAQs
What is elote?
Elote is a popular Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn on the cob slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
Can I use frozen corn for the street corn topping?
Yes, frozen corn can be used. Thaw and drain it before grilling or sautéing to achieve a slightly charred flavor.
Is cotija cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
While cotija cheese adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with feta or queso fresco if unavailable.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the street corn mixture for extra heat.
Can I prepare components of this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the chicken just before serving.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma, but you can use any preferred rice variety, such as basmati or brown rice.
How do I grill the corn if I don’t have a grill?
If a grill isn’t available, you can achieve a similar charred effect by using a stovetop grill pan or
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful fusion of tender, seasoned chicken thighs served over jasmine rice and topped with a creamy, tangy street corn mixture. Inspired by Mexican elote, this dish combines grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime-infused sauce for the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and refreshing flavors. Easy to prepare and customizable with toppings like avocado and black beans, it’s an ideal choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 ½ cups sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges
For the Rice and Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken and marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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Prepare the Street Corn Topping: In a bowl, mix grilled corn, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.
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Assemble the Bowls: Divide jasmine rice into bowls. Top with sliced chicken and a generous serving of the street corn mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Grill Alternative: If no grill is available, char corn in a skillet or broil in the oven.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream and mayo with dairy-free alternatives.
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
