Mexican-Inspired Corn Chicken Bowl

This vibrant bowl combines all the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn with tender chicken and fluffy rice. The charred corn gets tossed with creamy mayo and chili powder for that authentic elote taste, while crumbled cotija cheese adds the perfect salty finish. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges brighten everything up, creating a balanced meal that's both satisfying and refreshing. It's quick to prepare and endlessly customizable—you can use leftover rice and rotisserie chicken for an even faster weeknight dinner.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:03:42 GMT
A bowl of chicken and rice. Save
A bowl of chicken and rice. | sarahmeal.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly! Thaw it first, then pat dry with paper towels before charring in a hot skillet to achieve that roasted flavor essential to street corn.

→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can't find cotija, feta cheese makes an excellent substitute with a similar crumbly texture and salty profile. Queso fresco or even grated parmesan will also work well.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the corn mixture. You could also drizzle with your favorite hot sauce before serving.

→ Is there a good vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with black beans, roasted chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternatives. The corn mixture and other toppings provide plenty of flavor to make a satisfying vegetarian bowl.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Yes, this is great for meal prep. Cook the rice and chicken up to three days ahead and store separately. The corn mixture can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble just before serving for best results.

→ What other toppings would work well with this bowl?

Diced avocado, pickled red onions, black beans, sliced radishes, or a drizzle of Mexican crema would all make excellent additions to this versatile bowl.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Tender chicken and rice bowl featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, and zesty lime for a Mexican-inspired culinary delight.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: ~

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Mexican

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 bowls)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Protein

Ingredient 01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or chicken breast

→ Base

Ingredient 02 3 cups cooked white rice

→ Vegetables

Ingredient 03 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or charred)
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup diced red onion

→ Garnish

Ingredient 05 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Ingredient 06 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

→ Sauce & Seasonings

Ingredient 07 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Ingredient 08 1 tsp chili powder
Ingredient 09 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then slice into strips.

Instruction 02

Toss corn kernels with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.

Instruction 03

Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, corn mixture, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Additional Tips

  1. For extra flavor, grill or char the corn before mixing with the other ingredients.
  2. Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta if unavailable.

Essential Tools

  • Grill or skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Serving bowls

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 45 grams
  • Protein Content: 28 grams