Street Corn Chicken Bowl: 1 Flavorful Meal

Oh, you are going to LOVE this one! There’s just something about a big, vibrant bowl packed with amazing flavors, right? It just screams happy, satisfying meal. That’s exactly what our Street Corn Chicken Bowl is all about. It’s packed with protein, super flavorful, and honestly, perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a total game-changer for meal prep! You know, it reminds me a lot of how I started cooking. I used to be totally burned out from my corporate job, and the kitchen was the last place I wanted to be. But then I discovered how simple, delicious food could bring so much joy and peace into my life. That’s what Pure Cooking Joy is all about – finding that happiness in making great food for the people you love. You can even follow along for more inspiration over on Facebook!

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Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Okay, guys, let me tell you why this Street Corn Chicken Bowl is going to be your new favorite thing:

• Seriously Packed with Flavor: You get that amazing elote goodness – sweet charred corn, a creamy lime sauce, salty cotija cheese, all swirled together. It’s a taste explosion!
• Crazy Easy to Make: It’s a total win for busy weeknights. Grilling is super simple, and that sauce? It comes together in a flash.
• High Protein Lunch Powerhouse: This is the ultimate high protein lunch that’ll keep you fueled and satisfied all day long.
• Perfect for Meal Prep Bowls: Prep all the components ahead, and you have instant, delicious lunches ready to go. These meal prep bowls are a lifesaver!
• So Customizable: Want to add avocado? Pickled onions? A little extra spice? Go for it! It’s the perfect base for endless yummy variations.

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Ingredients for Your Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for these fabulous bowls! It’s really straightforward, and having everything prepped makes the whole cooking process a breeze. Think of it like getting all your little treasures lined up before you start creating magic.

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, just to your liking
• For the Bowls:
• 4 cups of fluffy cooked rice (I love jasmine or basmati for this!)
• 2 cups corn kernels – fresh or frozen works great!
• For the Creamy Lime Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full fat makes it extra yummy!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (the zest of one lime is great too!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• For Topping:
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if you can’t find cotija!)
• Optional goodies: sliced avocado, some quick pickled red onions, or sliced jalapeños for a kick!

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Crafting the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Bowl: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get this party started in the kitchen! This is where all the magic happens, and honestly, it’s super straightforward. We’re going to build these incredible bowls layer by layer. And trust me, the smell alone will make you feel like you’re at a summer festival! It’s like a streamlined version of those amazing weeknight dinners we love, all wrapped up in a bowl.

Marinating and Grilling the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Toss your chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper right in a bowl. Give them a good mix so they’re coated nicely. Then, pop ’em on a preheated grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. We’re talking about 6-8 minutes per side, until they look cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You want them juicy, not dry! Once they’re done, let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting step is key for super tender chicken, so don’t skip it!

Charring the Corn for Elote Flavor

While the chicken is doing its thing, let’s get that corn perfectly charred. You can just toss the kernels right onto the grill or grill pan! We want those little bits of sweetness to get a nice char, which brings out that amazing elote flavor. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn completely, just gets beautifully smoky and sweet. It usually only takes a few minutes to get that perfect grill marks and smoky taste.

Whipping Up the Creamy Lime Sauce

Now for the sauce – this is where the creamy, tangy goodness comes in! In a small bowl, just whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice for that bright zing, and the chopped fresh cilantro. This sauce is so easy, but it’s inspired by awesome flavor combinations like our cilantro lime rice. Give it a good stir until it’s all blended and delicious. This sauce is what really ties all those amazing flavors together, especially with that hint of cotija and lime.

Assembling Your Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Alright, the best part – putting it all together! Grab your bowls and start with a generous scoop of that fluffy cooked rice. Next, layer on your sliced grilled chicken. Then, pile on those beautifully charred corn kernels. Sprinkle generously with the crumbled cotija cheese. Finally, drizzle that dreamy creamy lime sauce all over everything. If you’re feeling fancy, add some of those optional toppings like fresh avocado slices or some zippy pickled red onions. And ta-da! Your perfect street corn chicken bowl is ready to devour.

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Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about how to make these bowls absolutely sing. Having spent way too many hours in the kitchen experimenting (and, let’s be honest, sometimes messing up!), I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate these bowls. It’s all about those little touches that make a big difference. For more kitchen wisdom, you can always check out my latest blog posts!

First off, don’t shy away from charring that corn! Those little blackened bits are where all the smoky, sweet elote flavor comes from. If you’re grilling the chicken, toss the corn kernels in the same bowl with a tiny bit of oil and seasoning before they hit the grill. Also, for the chicken, make sure it’s not overloaded with marinade; a light coating is all you need so you still get that lovely grilled texture. And please, *please* let the chicken rest after grilling. It makes a world of difference for juiciness. Trust me on this one!

Meal Prep and Customization for Your Elote Bowl

One of my favorite things about this Street Corn Chicken Bowl is how perfectly prepped it is for the week ahead. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver for busy days! To get the most out of it, I like to keep everything separate until just before I’m ready to eat. Store the cooked rice in one container, the sliced chicken in another, the charred corn in a third, and that creamy lime sauce in a tiny little jar or container. Keep the cotija cheese and any fresh toppings like avocado separate too! This way, nothing gets soggy, and your high protein lunch stays fresh and delicious. You can find more great ideas for getting organized with meal planning on the blog!

And don’t even get me started on customizing these! These bowls are amazing as a complete meal, but they’re also the *perfect* base for a whole lunch meal prep board. Just lay out all your prepped components – the chicken, corn, rice – and then put out little bowls of toppings. Think sliced avocado, pickled red onions, maybe some corn salsa, or even some crunchy tortilla strips! It’s such a fun way to make your meal prep bowls feel extra special and totally personalized. You can even switch out the protein or add black beans for a vegetarian twist! If you’re stuck for more ideas, maybe check out my protein pancake bowls for some more meal prep inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions about Street Corn Chicken Bowls

Got questions about these amazing bowls? I totally get it! Cooking should be fun, not frustrating. Let’s dive into some common things people ask about our Street Corn Chicken Bowls. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to drop it in the comments – I love chatting about food! You can also find inspiration for other great meals, like my soups and salads!

Can I make this street corn chicken bowl spicier?

Oh, absolutely! That’s the beauty of making it yourself. If you love a bit of heat, try adding some finely chopped jalapeños (seeds and all, if you’re feeling brave!) right into the bowl. You could also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to that creamy lime sauce, or even mix a little chipotle powder into the chicken marinade. A little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top works wonders too!

What are good vegetarian or vegan alternatives for this elote bowl?

You bet! This recipe is super adaptable. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for some seasoned, pan-fried halloumi cheese or roasted sweet potato cubes. If you want to go fully vegan, grilled tofu that’s been marinated in the same spices as the chicken is fantastic, or even a can of rinsed black beans. Just make sure your mayo for the sauce is vegan if needed!

How long do these meal prep bowls last in the fridge?

When you prep them smart, keeping the components separate like I mentioned, these bowls are great for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The rice, chicken, and corn hold up really well. I usually store the sauce and toppings separately and just assemble right before I’m ready to eat. It keeps everything tasting fresh and like it was just made!

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Frozen corn is a totally fine substitute if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just make sure to thaw it completely before grilling or charring it. You might need to pat it a little dry with a paper towel after thawing to get the best char when you cook it. It’ll still give you that delicious street corn flavor in your bowl!

Nutritional Estimate for Your Street Corn Chicken Bowl

Just a heads-up, these numbers are just an estimate, ’cause cooking is a little more art than exact science sometimes! Depending on your exact ingredients and how much of that dreamy sauce you drizzle, your Street Corn Chicken Bowl will hover around:

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: ~550
• Protein: ~35g
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g

It’s a pretty solid meal that keeps you full and happy all day long!

Street Corn Chicken Bowl

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A high-protein bowl featuring grilled chicken, charred corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy lime sauce served over rice. Perfect for meal prep.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, pickled red onions, jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
4. While chicken is grilling, grill corn kernels until lightly charred.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro to make the sauce.
6. Assemble the bowls: divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, charred corn, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of the creamy lime sauce.
7. Add any optional toppings you prefer.

Notes

• For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
• You can swap chicken for grilled shrimp or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• This recipe is a great base for a lunch meal prep board, allowing for various topping customizations.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg