Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful, Fun, and Fresh Meal
Bright, zesty, and packed with flavor, the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl combines the best elements of a summer street food favorite with a hearty, protein-packed meal. Tender chicken, roasted corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a touch of smoky spice come together in a vibrant bowl that’s both satisfying and healthy. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and smoky notes, making it a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual gathering with friends, this bowl is a versatile dish that brings the taste of Mexican street food right into your kitchen. It’s colorful, filling, and easy to customize, making it a recipe that appeals to everyone from casual cooks to seasoned home chefs looking for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a table of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per serving:
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb | 500 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | 8 kcal |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | 3 kcal |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) | 2 cups | 310 kcal |
| Lime juice | 2 tbsp | 10 kcal |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tbsp | 180 kcal |
| Cotija cheese (crumbled) | ¼ cup | 110 kcal |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 1 kcal |
| Cooked rice or quinoa | 2 cups | 400 kcal |
| Avocado (sliced) | 1 medium | 240 kcal |
| Jalapeño slices (optional) | ½ | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized strips. Toss with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Roast the Corn
If using fresh corn, cook in a skillet or roast in the oven until lightly charred. For frozen corn, sauté in a pan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
4. Make the Street Corn Mix
In a bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to create a creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky topping.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Top with cooked chicken, the creamy street corn mixture, sliced avocado, and jalapeño slices if desired.
6. Serve
Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or additional cotija cheese for added flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, grilled steak, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Grain Alternatives: Use cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa depending on preference.
- Spice Level: Add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use feta or shredded Monterey Jack instead of cotija.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keep the street corn mixture separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | ~38 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Fiber | ~8 g |
| Sugar | ~6 g |
| Sodium | Moderate |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of black beans or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a dash of hot sauce for extra zest.
- Pair with a light, refreshing salad or tortilla chips for a festive meal.
- Great for meal prep—store cooked chicken, rice, and corn mixture separately and assemble before eating.
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful, Fun, and Fresh Meal
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes550
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp mayonnaise
¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
1 medium avocado, sliced
½ jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Toss chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Corn
- Sauté fresh or frozen corn in a skillet until lightly charred (5–7 minutes).
- Make the Street Corn Mixture
- In a bowl, mix corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro until combined.
- Assemble the Bowls
- Divide rice or quinoa into four bowls. Top with cooked chicken, the street corn mixture, avocado slices, and jalapeño slices if desired.
- Serve
- Garnish with extra cilantro and cotija cheese. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing chili powder and jalapeño slices.
Cotija cheese can be replaced with feta or Monterey Jack if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken, rice, and street corn mixture separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep the corn and avocado fresh.
2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen corn works perfectly. Just sauté it in a skillet until lightly golden and slightly charred for the best flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
4. How spicy is this dish?
The heat mainly comes from chili powder and optional jalapeño slices. You can adjust the spice level to taste or omit the jalapeños for a milder version.
5. Can I use a different grain?
Definitely. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well as a base for this bowl.
Conclusion
The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl brings together bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a balanced mix of protein, grains, and veggies. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for anyone craving a flavorful, wholesome meal with a touch of Mexican flair. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the smoky, tangy, and creamy goodness in every bite!
