There’s something magical about a meal that feels indulgent but fuels your body like a champion. I discovered this truth during a busy season of life—juggling work deadlines, family schedules, and a desperate need for quick, satisfying dinners that didn’t leave me slumped over by 8 PM. That’s when the High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl entered my kitchen, and honestly, it never left. It’s the kind of dish that wraps the vibrant, smoky-sweet flavors of Mexican street corn around juicy chicken and fluffy rice, creating a macro-friendly meal prep dream that’s as exciting to eat as it is good for you.
If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at the end of a long day, willing a delicious, healthy dinner to materialize, this recipe is your answer.
Table of Contents
High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients
The High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl comes together with a mix of fresh, pantry-staple, and flavor-packed ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Street Corn & Rice Base:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (or brown rice for extra fiber)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned and drained)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or more Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Smart Swaps: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt and omit the cotija or use a vegan feta. No fresh corn? Frozen works perfectly. If you love the charred flavor of authentic elote, try grilling the corn first. For another fantastic chicken option, check out our Chicken Marinade Pollo Asado—it would be incredible here!
High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
This is a true weeknight warrior, coming together in about 35 minutes from start to finish. That’s faster than most delivery!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Elote Chicken Bowl
This process is straightforward, but a few pro tips will make your bowl restaurant-quality.
- Cook the Rice: Cook your rice according to package directions. For the fluffiest rice, let it sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff with a fork.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: While the rice cooks, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to get a good sear instead of steaming the chicken.
- Create the Street Corn Mixture: In the same skillet (no need to wash it—those browned bits are flavor!), add the corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it begins to char slightly in spots. Add the diced red onion and jalapeño and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, 1/2 cup cotija cheese, chili powder, and cayenne (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Your High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: In a large bowl, combine the fluffy rice, the charred corn mixture, and the cooked chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over everything and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the mixture into bowls. Top with extra crumbled cotija cheese, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and an extra wedge of lime on the side.
High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Nutritional Information
This is a meal that truly works for you. A single generous serving provides approximately:
- Calories: ~485
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 15g
It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt to keep you full, and the corn and rice provide energizing complex carbs. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be dairy-free.
Equipment Needed for This Healthy Meal Prep Chicken
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. A large skillet, a medium saucepan for the rice, a few mixing bowls, and basic kitchen utensils like a cutting board, knife, and measuring spoons are all you need to create this macro friendly meal prep masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Flavor Explosion: It captures the iconic, crave-worthy taste of Mexican street corn in a hearty, complete meal.
- Meal Prep Hero: This recipe tastes fantastic fresh and holds up beautifully in the fridge for days, making it the ultimate healthy meal prep chicken solution.
- Nutrient-Dense: With around 35 grams of protein per serving, it’s a genuinely satisfying and easy high protein dinner.
- Incredibly Versatile: Easily customize it with what you have on hand—different proteins, grains, or spice levels.
Healthier Alternatives for Your Gluten Free Chicken Bowl
This recipe is already quite balanced, but here are a few tweaks to suit different dietary goals:
- Lower Carb: Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. Sauté it briefly at the end to heat through.
- Higher Protein: Increase the chicken to 1.5 lbs or add a can of black beans to the corn mixture.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based yogurt and omit the cotija cheese. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
- Lower Fat: Use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mexican Street Corn Recipe
This bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it loves company! For a summer spread, pair it with our vibrant Summer Street Corn Salad for a double dose of that elote goodness. For a different but equally delicious chicken dinner, these White Chicken Enchiladas are always a crowd-pleaser.
Topping Bar Ideas: Set out bowls of sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, hot sauce, pickled red onions, or crushed tortilla chips for a fun, interactive dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with This Easy High Protein Dinner
- Soggy Rice: Using freshly cooked, hot rice is fine, but if your rice is leftover and clumpy, fluff it with a fork and consider giving it a quick steam in the microwave with a splash of water to refresh it before mixing.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly. Cut them into even-sized pieces and remove them from the heat as soon as they reach 165°F internally to keep them juicy.
- Skipping the Char on the Corn: That slight smokiness from cooking the corn in the hot skillet is key to the authentic street corn flavor. Don’t just warm it through—let it get some color!
Storing Tips for Your Macro Friendly Meal Prep
This is where the High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl truly shines.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and get even better!
- Freezer: While the creamy sauce can separate a bit upon thawing, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before reheating.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.
High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Conclusion
This High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution. It’s the answer to your busy weeknights, your meal prep dilemmas, and your craving for something truly delicious that also makes you feel great. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. I hope this Elote Chicken Bowl becomes a regular in your rotation, bringing a little bit of fiesta to your table with minimal effort.
If you’re looking for more one-pan wonders, our One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice is another fantastic, easy option.
I’d love to hear how your bowl turns out! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest to show off your creation. Happy cooking
FAQs about High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Print
High Protein Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant, ready-to-eat lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with clean, wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect gluten free lunch that keeps you full and focused all afternoon.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 large breasts)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups fresh or frozen corn, thawed)
- 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (add right before serving for best results)
- For the Creamy Southwest Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or additional Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo for a smoky kick
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the creamy southwest dressing—Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices—until smooth and well-combined. Give it a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, now is the time to stir in that adobo sauce.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Mix Gently: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix if you’re using tender shredded chicken.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Right before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado.
Notes
Pro-Tip: If you’re meal prepping, store the salad without the avocado and add it to individual portions each day to prevent browning. Smart Swaps: Use rotisserie chicken for a major shortcut. For dairy-free, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayonnaise. Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or omitting the adobo sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
💬 Let’s Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind-the-scenes & community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration & meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips & trending recipes
📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!
