Ingredients
Marinade & Chicken
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 (1 oz / 28 g) packet taco seasoning (divided)
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (~1 lb / 450 g), sliced lengthwise
Elote-Style Sauce
- ⅓ cup (80 g) mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup (80 g) sour cream (or Mexican crema or Greek yogurt)
- Juice of one lime (1-2 tablespoons / 15-30 ml)
- Optional: 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 g) finely crumbled cotija cheese
Other Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 4 cups (~800 g) cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Diced red onion
- Cotija cheese (or feta)
- Lime wedges
- Pico de gallo
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans (or chickpeas)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together olive oil and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Add the sliced chicken breasts and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight to let the flavors infuse.
- Prepare Elote-Style Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and the remaining taco seasoning in a small bowl. Add the lime juice and mix until smooth and well combined. For a traditional touch, optionally stir in 2-3 tablespoons of finely crumbled cotija cheese. Set the sauce aside.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Chicken and Corn: Place the marinated chicken and ears of corn on the grill. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn the corn occasionally, grilling until it is lightly charred on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly to retain juices. Then, slice into strips.
- Remove Corn Kernels: Cut the kernels off the grilled corn cobs using a sharp knife.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken and charred corn kernels.
- Add Toppings and Sauce: Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, diced red onion, cotija cheese, lime wedges, pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, and black beans or chickpeas as desired.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared elote-style sauce over each bowl and serve warm for a flavorful, vibrant meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken up to overnight for more intense flavor.
- If a grill is unavailable, a grill pan or stovetop skillet can be used instead.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce variation.
- Adding cotija cheese to the sauce is optional but adds classic flavor.
- Choose white or brown rice based on preference for texture and nutrition.
- Adjust jalapeño slices to control spice level according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican