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Juicy chunks of marinated chicken, charred sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a squeeze of lime come together in this flavor-packed chicken and corn bowl. I whip this up on busy weeknights or make a bunch for lunches that taste way better than grabbing food out. Throw on avocado or more cilantro if you really wanna amp things up.
The first batch I made had the kitchen smelling smoky sweet from the corn and everyone hovered around wanting a bite. Even kids who claim they’re picky grab seconds.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Jasmine rice: Fluffy grains as your base White, brown, or even cauliflower rice all fit the bill Pick one that isn’t sticky and clumped
- Fresh cilantro: Optional leafy topper Adds a fresh herby pop Use just the leaves
- Chili powder (for finishing): Dust over the top for that gentle spice and a hint of color
- Red onion: Gives a bit of crunch and mild tang, but skip if you want You can use scallions if you’re out of red
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs give you all the juiciness though chicken breast keeps things leaner Check that your chicken looks nice and pink inside with no gray bits
- Lime juice: Squeeze in some tangy brightness—use real limes for max effect
- Avocado oil: Use it for a neutral taste and because it doesn’t burn easy Olive oil is fine in a pinch
- Chili powder (for chicken): Adds warmth and just enough kick Grab a chili blend for that true taste
- Garlic powder: Up to you, but it brings more savory flavor Use fresh minced garlic for serious garlic fans
- Salt and black pepper: Musts for balanced flavor Sprinkle sea salt or kosher so you get even seasoning
- Sweet corn kernels: Freshly grilled gets you some smoky flavor, but frozen or canned corn totally works Look for corn that’s yellow and sweet
- Sour cream: Brings coolness and creamy texture Plain Greek yogurt makes it lighter
- Mayonnaise: Lends that rich taste Stick to classic mayo, not light or whipped stuff
- Cotija cheese: Crumbly, tangy, salty goodness Feta or queso fresco can swap in just fine
- Lime juice (for corn): More zest for the creamy corn topping Fresh squeezed is key here
Foolproof Steps
- Serve:
- Give each bowl a squeeze of fresh lime right before you dig in so everything pops
- Put Together the Bowls:
- Start with steaming rice Grab a handful of sliced chicken and lay it on top Heap a big spoonful of corn mixture Add more cheese and sprinkle on some cilantro Wedge a piece of lime on the side
- Warm Up the Rice:
- For rice that's already made, spread it out, add a splash of water, and heat gently in the microwave or a pan till it’s nice and fluffy
- Mix the Street Corn Topping:
- Dump grilled or cold corn, red onion, sour cream, mayo, crumbled cotija, chili powder, salt, pepper, and a hit of lime juice in a bowl Stir it all together till smooth If you can, grill the corn—if not, just use it as is
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat up a skillet over medium-high Lay out your chicken in a single layer Sear for about eight to ten minutes turning once—wait for a golden outside and finished inside Chicken should be at least 165°F Rest a few minutes, then slice up small
- Marinate Chicken:
- Whisk together lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper Toss chicken so it’s well coated Put a lid or cover on and let it soak up the flavors for at least fifteen, up to thirty minutes
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My favorite thing here is definitely the cotija—salty and crumbly, it’s perfect with sweet corn and extra lime. I swear the lime makes everything taste brighter. My youngest son even called this chicken the best he’s ever had—he asked for another bowl before he’d finished the first!
Easy Storage
Once it’s cooled off, pop the chicken, corn mix, and rice in their own airtight containers in your fridge. They taste best on day three or sooner. Hold off on adding lime and cilantro till you’re ready to eat—keeps it fresh. Freezing? No problem—just chill everything first, freeze the chicken and corn mix separately from the rice, and let them thaw in the fridge before reheating slow.
Swaps and Variations
Chicken breasts will work instead of thighs if you want less fat Feta or queso fresco can take the place of cotija for a similar crumbly saltiness Greek yogurt swaps for sour cream if that’s what you have If fresh corn’s out of season, grilled frozen corn still hits the spot Not a cilantro fan? Use flat-leaf parsley or skip it
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How to Serve It Up
Try eating this with creamy avocado slices or add a scoop of salsa or some black beans Need to feed a crew? Lay out bowls of toppings—sliced jalapeño, shredded lettuce, or roasted peppers Blue corn chips on the side are awesome for crunch This is also great with a cold agua fresca or a crisp green salad if you want something lighter
Background and Inspiration
Elote, or street corn, is a staple snack in Mexico bought at stands or markets. That creamy cheesy tangy style was the chance to make this easy chicken bowl you can eat any night. Using all those signature flavors but tossing them together in one bowl makes home cooking faster and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Totally! Swap in boneless, skinless chicken breast for the thighs, just keep an eye on them so they don't dry out while cooking.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Cotija keeps things classic and salty, but if you can't find it, grab some feta or queso fresco and you're good to go.
- → Can I prepare the components in advance?
For sure. You can marinate the chicken the night before, and get the corn mix and rice ready up to two days early. Makes it all so easy to throw together later!
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Easy! Dice up some jalapeños, toss in a bit of chili powder or cayenne to the corn and chicken marinade, and crank up the heat.
- → Is there a low-carb option for the base?
Yup, just swap the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice so it stays light without losing any flavor.
- → What toppings go well with this bowl?
Black beans, sliced avocado, heaps of cilantro, pico de gallo, or even crunchy radishes. Add whatever sounds good!