Juicy chili-lime grilled chicken breast tossed with sweet charred corn, creamy Greek yogurt elote dressing, crumbled cotija cheese, buttery avocado, and fresh cilantro. Packing 38g of protein per serving!
Prep Time
10 Mins
Cook Time
10 Mins
Protein
38g / Serv
Calories
~390 kcal
🎥 Step-by-Step Recipe Video Walkthrough
Why You Will Love This Street Corn Chicken Salad
Traditional Mexican Street Corn (Elote on the cob or Esquites in a bowl) is famous for its irresistible combination of smoky roasted corn, savory crema, salty cheese, and tangy lime. This high-protein recipe transforms that beloved street-food flavor into a macro-balanced powerhouse:
- 38 Grams of Protein: Lean chicken breast combined with a protein-fortified Greek yogurt dressing fuels muscle recovery and keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Authentic Smoky Sweetness: High-heat blistered corn kernels provide rich fire-roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with chili-spiced chicken.
- Light & Creamy Dressing: Swapping heavy mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt slashes saturated fat while delivering gut-friendly probiotics.
- Effortless 4-Day Meal Prep: Tastes incredible warm off the skillet or chilled straight from the fridge for work and school lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🍗 Chili-Lime Chicken:
- 1.25 lbs Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For high-heat searing.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder & 1 tsp Ground Cumin: Warm Mexican spices.
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: Smoky baseline.
- ½ tsp Salt & ¼ tsp Black Pepper: To taste.
- Juice of ½ Fresh Lime: Tenderizer.
🌽 Charred Corn Base:
- 3 cups Sweet Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil: For skillet charring.
- 1 Haas Avocado: Diced.
- ½ cup Red Onion & 1 Jalapeño: Finely diced.
- ½ cup Cilantro & ½ cup Cotija Cheese: Crumbled.
🥣 High-Protein Elote Dressing:
- ½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Creamy protein base.
- 2 tbsp Light Mayonnaise: Silky richness without excess calories.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice: Citrus acidity.
- 1 Clove Garlic (grated) & ½ tsp Tajín: Street-corn seasoning.
- ¼ tsp Salt: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Char the Sweet Corn
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat with 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the corn in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until blistered with deep golden-brown char marks. Stir, cook for another 2 minutes, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
In a bowl, toss cubed chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. In the same hot skillet, sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Whisk the Greek Yogurt Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, lime juice, grated garlic, chili powder, and salt until smooth and pourable.
Step 4: Toss, Garnish, and Serve
Add the cooked chicken, diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the bowl of charred corn. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Fold in most of the crumbled cotija cheese, saving a sprinkle for the top with a pinch of Tajín.
How to Serve and Meal Prep
- Standalone Bowl: Enjoy warm, room temperature, or chilled directly from the bowl.
- Party Dip: Serve with crispy baked tortilla chips or bell pepper scoops.
- Street Corn Wraps: Spoon into warm corn tortillas or low-carb flatbreads for quick tacos.
- Meal Prep Storage: Keeps fresh in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Add fresh avocado on the day you eat to prevent browning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen or canned corn?
Yes! Frozen sweet corn chars beautifully in a hot skillet. If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels so the kernels char instead of steaming.
What is the best substitute for Cotija cheese?
Crumbled Greek feta cheese or Queso Fresco makes a delicious 1:1 substitute, offering the same dry, salty, crumbly texture.
Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Toss seasoned chicken cubes with 1 tsp oil and air-fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for a 10-minute shortcut?
Yes! Shred 3 cups of skinless rotisserie chicken breast, toss with the chili-lime seasoning, and fold directly into the warm charred corn and dressing.