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Chipotle Chicken Elote Rice Bowl

This Mexican-inspired Elote Chicken Bowl is one of the easiest, most delicious ways to get protein in on a weeknight and still enjoy big, cozy flavors. The juicy chopped chipotle chicken melts perfectly into the creamy, tangy elote and fluffy rice. Fresh lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cotija make every bite so craveable.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Yields3 to 4
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings3 to 4

Ingredients

ELOTE

  • 1 1/2 cups canned or frozen corn
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 to 2 pinches cayenne powder
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
  • Extra heat to taste such as cayenne, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeño

CHIPOTLE ADOBO CHICKEN

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle adobo paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • olive oil or neutral oil, for cooking in the pan

FOR ASSEMBLY

  • cooked white rice
  • cilantro, finely chopped
  • avocado, thinly sliced
  • more sour cream for drizzling
  • cotija cheese, crumbled

Instructions 

MAKE THE ELOTE

  1. To a pan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt.
  2. Add the canned or frozen corn and sauté until it becomes hot, toasty, and lightly golden around the edges. Then transfer the corn to a bowl.
  3. Stir in the mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne powder, crumbled cotija cheese, and salt.
  4. Mix until creamy and fully combined, then fold in the cilantro and any extra heat you like.
  5. Cover and set aside while preparing the chicken.

MAKE THE CHICKEN

  1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chipotle adobo paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Add the chicken and toss everything together evenly in the marinade.
  2. To a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil or neutral oil and warm it up.
  3. Add the chicken and cook until it is browned on the outside and fully cooked through, flipping as needed.
  4. Let it rest for a few minutes, then chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

ASSEMBLE THE BOWLS

  1. Add cooked rice to the bottom of your bowl.
  2. Add a handful of shredded or chopped lettuce and avocado or whatever toppings you like.
  3. Spoon on the elote and the chopped chicken.
  4. Finish with cilantro, more sour cream to drizzle on top, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Notes

Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
A: Yes, fresh corn works great. Just cut it off the cob and sauté it in the butter the same way until toasty and golden.
Q: What kind of lettuce works best?
A: Romaine is perfect because it stays crisp, but iceberg or any crunchy lettuce works. You can use it shredded or chopped.
Q: Can I make the elote ahead of time?
A: Yes. The elote can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm it gently before assembling your bowls.
Q: Is there a substitute for Mexican crema?
A: You can use sour cream. It gives the same creamy, tangy effect.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: The heat is completely adjustable. Use less cayenne or chipotle for mild, or add diced jalapeño or extra chili powder for more heat.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a pan?
A: Yes, grilling works perfectly and adds a smoky flavor that pairs great with the elote.
Q: What else can I serve this with besides rice bowls?
A: It’s amazing in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even on top of a big salad.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Keep the chicken, elote, rice, and lettuce stored separately in airtight containers. Reheat everything except the lettuce before serving again.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!