Introduction
Are you craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, fresh ingredients, and a delicious twist on traditional Mexican cuisine? If so, the Street Corn Pollo Bowl is about to become your new favorite meal! This vibrant, mouthwatering dish combines smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, and zesty toppings, creating an unforgettable blend of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fresh, bold twist! And the best part? It’s incredibly customizable, so you can easily adjust it to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at your next gathering, this bowl is guaranteed to steal the spotlight and leave everyone asking for seconds!
So, what makes the Street Corn Pollo Bowl so special? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is a Street Corn Pollo Bowl?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s break down what exactly makes up a Street Corn Pollo Bowl.
At its core, the Street Corn Pollo Bowl is a fresh, satisfying dish that combines the savory goodness of grilled chicken with the creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (also known as Elote). This dish is a fantastic fusion of texture and flavor – think juicy chicken, sweet and smoky corn, creamy toppings, and just the right balance of spice.
What makes this bowl extra special? The versatility! You can tweak it to your liking, making it a great meal prep option or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Key Ingredients in the Street Corn Pollo Bowl
Let’s talk about the main ingredients that make this bowl absolutely irresistible. Each component plays an important role in creating the ultimate flavor experience!
1. Grilled Chicken
The foundation of any Street Corn Pollo Bowl is the grilled chicken. Marinated in a mix of olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and garlic, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Don’t be afraid to add a little chili powder or paprika for a smoky kick!
Pro Tip: For a more intense flavor, marinate your chicken overnight!
2. Street Corn (Elote)
Ah, street corn – it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. This ingredient is what sets the Street Corn Pollo Bowl apart from other chicken bowls. Traditionally, street corn is grilled and then slathered with mayo or yogurt, sprinkled with chili powder, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy texture, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It’s just as creamy but adds a slight tanginess!
3. Rice or Lettuce Base
The base of your bowl can either be fluffy rice or a bed of crisp lettuce. Choose rice for a more filling option or lettuce for a low-carb, fresh alternative. The choice is yours!
Pro Tip: If you want a healthier option, try using cauliflower rice for a lower-carb base that’s still satisfying!
4. Toppings
Toppings are what really make your Street Corn Pollo Bowl shine. You can go with the classic cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, and avocado, or get creative and add roasted tomatoes, salsa, or even a little hot sauce for some heat.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the lime! A squeeze of fresh lime over the bowl adds the perfect punch of brightness.
How to Make the Perfect Street Corn Pollo Bowl
Ready to make your own Street Corn Pollo Bowl? Let’s break it down step by step so you can create this masterpiece in your own kitchen!
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. You’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and coat the chicken. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for the best flavor!). When ready, grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the chicken or cook it on a grill pan for that beautiful charred flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn
For the street corn, you’ll need:
- 2 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tbsp mayo (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Grill the corn until lightly charred, about 6-8 minutes. Once grilled, cut the kernels off the cob and toss them in a bowl with mayo, cotija, chili powder, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tip: To make the corn even creamier, add a spoonful of sour cream to the mix!
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Now it’s time to put everything together:
- Start with a base of rice or lettuce.
- Add a generous portion of grilled chicken, sliced into strips.
- Top with the creamy street corn mixture.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Pro Tip: Make it even more filling by adding black beans or roasted vegetables!
Street Corn Pollo Bowl Variations
The beauty of the Street Corn Pollo Bowl is that you can easily mix it up to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try!
1. Swap the Protein
Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Try swapping the grilled chicken for shrimp, grilled steak, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. The smoky flavors will pair perfectly with the street corn.
2. Make it Vegan
To make this bowl vegan-friendly, simply skip the chicken and cotija cheese. You can replace the chicken with marinated tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based protein. Use dairy-free yogurt for the street corn and top with avocado for that creamy texture.
3. Add a Spicy Kick
If you love spice, kick it up a notch by adding some diced jalapeños to the corn mixture, or drizzle some spicy chipotle sauce over the chicken.
Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Pollo Bowl
- Grill the chicken with care! Make sure your grill or pan is preheated before placing the chicken. This will help it cook evenly and create those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t skip the marination! Even 30 minutes of marinating can make a world of difference. Letting the chicken absorb all the flavors ensures maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Use fresh corn! Fresh corn on the cob gives the best texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen corn works too.
- Balance your toppings. A squeeze of lime is a must, but also consider adding a bit of avocado or a dollop of sour cream to add richness.
Street Corn Pollo Bowl Recipe Card
- Total Time: 45 minutes (default to prep + cook)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Street Corn Pollo Bowl is a fresh, flavorful dish that brings together grilled chicken, smoky Mexican street corn, and a variety of delicious toppings. A perfect meal for any occasion, this bowl is customizable to suit your preferences, whether you enjoy it spicy, creamy, or with extra protein!
Ingredients
For the grilled chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the street corn:
- 2 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tbsp mayo (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (or lettuce for a low-carb option)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: Combine olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and charred. Slice into strips.
Prepare the street corn: Grill the corn for 6-8 minutes until lightly charred. Once grilled, cut the kernels off the cob. Toss the corn in a bowl with mayo (or Greek yogurt), cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of rice (or lettuce) in each bowl. Top with the grilled chicken and street corn mixture. Add sliced avocado, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can make this recipe dairy-free by skipping the cotija cheese and using dairy-free yogurt for the street corn.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the bowl.
- This dish can be made ahead for meal prep. Just store the grilled chicken and street corn separately and assemble when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (for marinating chicken)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for grilling chicken and corn)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Pollo Bowl
If you’re still not convinced, let me tell you why you’ll love this bowl. First, it’s packed with flavor. The smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, and zesty toppings create a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite. Second, it’s incredibly customizable! Whether you’re looking to make it low-carb, vegan, or extra spicy, this bowl adapts to any dietary preference. Finally, it’s easy to make – perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. In just under 45 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh, vibrant meal that’s simple yet bursting with flavor!
Conclusion
So, are you ready to make your own Street Corn Pollo Bowl at home? Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress! With its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and endless customization options, the Street Corn Pollo Bowl is the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.
Looking for more bowl inspiration? Check out this delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe for even more tasty ideas!