What is street corn chicken?

Street corn chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote) . It typically features grilled or seasoned chicken topped with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy street corn mixture. The street corn is made with roasted corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices like chili powder. This dish combines smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

What is the red powder they put on street corn?

The red powder commonly sprinkled on street corn is chili powder or Tajín . Chili powder adds a mild heat and smoky depth. Tajín is a blend of chili powder, lime, and salt , giving it a tangy, spicy kick. For extra spice, some people use cayenne pepper or paprika for color and heat variation.

What pairs well with Mexican street corn?

Mexican street corn (Elote) is a versatile side dish that pairs well with: ✔ Grilled Steak, Chicken, or Fish – The smoky flavors complement grilled meats. ✔ Tacos & Burritos – A great addition to Mexican-inspired meals. ✔ Quesadillas – Cheesy, crispy quesadillas contrast the creamy street corn. ✔ Burgers & Hot Dogs – A fun way to add Mexican flavors to classic cookout meals. ✔ BBQ Dishes – The tangy, creamy flavors balance smoky barbecue meats.

What to serve with street corn chicken?

Street corn chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including: ✔ Cilantro Lime Rice – A fresh and zesty rice option. ✔ Black Beans – Adds protein and fiber. ✔ Avocado Salad – A creamy, refreshing contrast. ✔ Tortilla Chips & Guacamole – A crunchy, flavorful side. ✔ Roasted Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus complement the dish well.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Easy & Flavorful Meal

Name: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice); ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced; ½ avocado, sliced; ¼ cup red onion, diced; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges (for serving)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Street Corn:

1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

For the Rice Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
½ avocado, sliced
¼ cup red onion, diced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Marinate & Cook the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill Option: Preheat a grill to medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
- Stovetop Option: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Prepare the Street Corn
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide cooked rice among bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, street corn mixture, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Garnish & Serve
Drizzle with extra lime juice and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

✅ Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
✅ Lower-Calorie Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo.
✅ Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and assemble before serving.
✅ Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese substitute.

Author: Sanae
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 rice bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 80mg