Craving street corn? This easy bowl layers seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy elote-inspired corn & fluffy rice. A vibrant weeknight win! Includes step-by-step & nutrition.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Mexican crema)
1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
1 lime, half juiced and half cut into wedges for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the rice according to package directions. While rice cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili powder.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add the frozen corn kernels to the same skillet (no need to clean). Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and stir in the mayonnaise, the juice from half of the lime, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder until well combined.
Step 4: To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice between two serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and a generous portion of the street corn mixture. Garnish with crumbled Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of additional chili powder, and a lime wedge for squeezing.
Notes
Keep any leftover assembled bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; for best texture, store the street corn mixture separately from the chicken and rice if prepping ahead.
Gently reheat leftover bowls in the microwave until just warm, or warm the chicken and rice in a skillet and add the street corn mixture last, avoiding overheating the mayo to preserve its creamy texture.
While perfect as a complete meal, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dash of hot sauce to your finished bowl for an extra burst of vibrant flavor and a touch of heat.
Don't skip charring the corn; those slightly browned kernels add a fantastic smoky depth and texture that truly elevates the 'street corn' experience.