Go Back
A close-up of a vibrant chicken elote bowl, featuring grilled chicken, corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro over a bed of rice.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

This vibrant bowl combines juicy, seasoned chicken with creamy esquites-style street corn, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and a zesty dressing for a burst of Mexican-inspired flavor in every bite. A perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and fresh.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Seasoned Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
For the Cilantro-Lime Rice
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1.75 cups chicken or vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime lime juiced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Street Corn (Esquites)
  • 3 cups frozen corn thawed, or 3 ears fresh corn, kernels removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese plus more for garnish
  • 1 jalapeño finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime lime juiced
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
For the Cilantro-Lime Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar optional, for sweetness
  • 1/2 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • pinch black pepper
For Garnish/Toppings (Optional)
  • extra cotija cheese
  • lime wedges
  • hot sauce or chili flakes
  • sliced avocado

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Ensure chicken is evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other components.
  2. Rinse 1 cup rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1.75 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat, keeping covered, and let stand for 5 minutes. After resting, fluff with a fork and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes per side (for chicken thighs) or 5-7 minutes per side (for chicken breasts), until cooked through, nicely browned, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In the same skillet used for the chicken (no need to clean), add 1 tbsp olive oil and the 3 cups thawed corn. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and tender. Remove from heat and transfer the charred corn to a large mixing bowl.
  5. To the charred corn, add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema, 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, the finely minced jalapeño, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar (if using), 1/2 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  7. Divide the fluffy cilantro-lime rice among 4 serving bowls. Top each portion of rice with a generous scoop of the prepared street corn mixture and the sliced seasoned chicken.
  8. Drizzle each bowl generously with the cilantro-lime dressing.
  9. Garnish with extra crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime wedges, a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes, and/or slices of avocado, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a can of drained and rinsed black beans or grilled halloumi cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.