Description
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mexican street food and wholesome ingredients. Imagine tender, spice-rubbed chicken nestled on a bed of zesty cilantro-lime rice, topped with a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy street corn that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, offering a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, all packed with exciting flavors and textures. This recipe is designed to be both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy individuals and families looking for a delicious and nutritious meal. The customizable toppings allow everyone to tailor the bowl to their personal preferences, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all. The combination of smoky chicken, tangy rice, and the irresistible sweetness of the street corn creates a harmonious blend that you will crave again and again.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for several compelling reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The recipe is a symphony of flavors, from the smoky spice rub on the chicken to the tangy lime-cilantro rice and the creamy, cheesy goodness of the street corn. Each bite is a delightful journey for your palate.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking instructions, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your liking. You can easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Healthy and Balanced: The combination of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and healthy fats from the avocado (if you choose to add it) makes this a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The components of this bowl can be prepared in advance and stored separately, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The vibrant flavors and appealing presentation make it a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adds warmth and depth)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (provides a smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (enhances savory notes)
- ½ teaspoon cumin (adds an earthy undertone)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste (to season the chicken)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (cooked as per package instructions, use basmati or jasmine for enhanced flavor)
- Juice of 1 lime (adds a tangy zest)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor)
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – if using canned, drain and rinse well)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (provides creaminess, use a good quality mayo for the best flavor)
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (a crumbly, salty, and tangy Mexican cheese)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adds a touch of heat and enhances the corn’s sweetness)
- Juice of 1 lime (balances the richness and adds zest)
- Salt to taste (to enhance the flavors)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado (adds creaminess and healthy fats)
- Chopped tomatoes (adds freshness and acidity)
- Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)
- Extra cotija cheese (because you can never have too much!)
- Chopped red onion (adds a sharp, pungent bite)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds tanginess and creaminess)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful final dish. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator, for a more intense flavor. This marinating time enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of brown properly. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Prepare the long-grain rice according to the package instructions. You can use a rice cooker, stovetop method, or even an Instant Pot for cooking the rice. If using a stovetop method, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which will help prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice (e.g., 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 4: Make the Cilantro-Lime Rice
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. The lime juice adds a refreshing tang, while the cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other components of the bowl. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
Step 5: Prepare the Street Corn
In a separate bowl, combine the corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned), mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base, while the cotija cheese adds a salty and tangy element. The chili powder adds a touch of heat, and the lime juice balances the richness with its acidity. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt or chili powder if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture.
Step 7: Add Optional Toppings
Add any optional toppings, such as diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, extra cotija cheese, chopped red onion, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, to customize the bowls to your liking.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium (depending on cooking rice)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls immediately after assembling to enjoy the flavors and textures at their best.
- Pair the bowls with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
- For a lighter option, serve the chicken and street corn mixture over a bed of mixed greens instead of rice.
- These bowls are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, lunch, or even a potluck.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- If using frozen corn, thaw it completely before preparing the street corn mixture.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level of the chicken and street corn.
- If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or queso fresco.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or rotisserie chicken.
- Make the street corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For added flavor, grill the corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels and adding them to the mixture.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimates, may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes)
Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving Protein: 40-50 grams per serving Sodium: 500-700 mg per serving (depending on added salt and cotija cheese amount)
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful and satisfying meal that brings together the best of Mexican-inspired flavors in an easy-to-make package. With its customizable toppings and balanced nutritional profile, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures as you savor each bite of this vibrant and delicious dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based protein alternative like tofu or tempeh. Season the beans or plant-based protein with the same spices as the chicken for a similar flavor profile. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
Q2: Can I prepare the components of this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the rice, prepare the chicken, and make the street corn mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice, and assemble the bowls with the street corn and your favorite toppings. This is a great way to save time during the week.
Q3: What is cotija cheese, and can I substitute it if I don’t have it?
A: Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty and tangy flavor. It’s a key ingredient in the street corn mixture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with feta cheese, queso fresco, or even a sharp cheddar cheese. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, these substitutes will still provide a salty and savory element to the dish.
Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: If you want to add more heat to this recipe, there are several ways to do so. You can increase the amount of chili powder in the chicken and street corn mixture, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken spice rub, use a spicier chili powder blend, include finely diced serrano peppers or habanero peppers in the street corn, or top the bowls with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Q5: Can I use corn on the cob instead of corn kernels for the street corn mixture?
A: Absolutely! Using fresh corn on the cob will add a delicious smoky flavor to the street corn. To do this, grill or roast the corn on the cob until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob and use them in the street corn mixture as directed in the recipe.
