Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Flavorful and Easy Meal

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Craving a tasty, easy meal? The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl packs a punch of flavor in every bite! With juicy chicken, fresh corn, and zesty toppings, you’ll whip up this dish in no time. Follow along as I break down the simple ingredients and steps. Let’s transform your dinner routine into a delicious fiesta that everyone will love! Ready to dive in?

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Delicious Flavor Combination: This bowl combines the sweetness of corn, the smokiness of spices, and the creaminess of cotija cheese for a delightful taste experience.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation: With marinating time included, this recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients like chicken for tofu or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
4. Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors from the red bell pepper, cilantro, and corn make this dish visually appealing and appetizing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Toppings and Garnishes

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese)

Seasoning and Marinade

– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

– 1 tablespoon lime juice

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

To make this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with cooked rice as your base. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your choice. Next, grab two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will be marinated to enhance the flavor.

Corn adds a sweet crunch to the dish. You can use fresh corn, frozen corn, or canned corn. Choose what you have on hand. For toppings, dice one red bell pepper and finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. These will add color and texture.

Cotija cheese is traditional for this dish, but feta works well too. You will need about 1/2 cup, crumbled. This cheese brings a creamy element that pairs nicely with the other flavors.

For the marinade, combine 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Add 1 teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. This mix will give the chicken a zesty kick and keep it juicy.

Having all these ingredients ready will make your cooking process smooth and fun. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors as you prepare this delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

First, mix the marinade ingredients. Take a bowl and add:

– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

– 1 tablespoon lime juice

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

Stir well until it is smooth. Now, take your chicken breasts and coat them in the marinade. Make sure every part of the chicken is covered. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors.

Preparing the Street Corn Topping

While the chicken marinates, prepare the street corn topping. In a medium bowl, combine:

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

– 1 diced red bell pepper

– 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

– 1/4 cup cotija cheese

Mix these ingredients well. This mixture will add a fresh crunch to your bowl.

Next, heat a pan over medium heat. Sauté the corn mixture for about 3-4 minutes. Stir it often until it is heated through. If you want, you can add a bit of olive oil for extra flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken in the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should be fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the heat. Allow it to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.

Assembling the Rice Bowl

To build your rice bowl, start with a base of rice. Use 2 cups of cooked rice, either white or brown. Scoop a generous portion into a serving bowl.

Next, layer the sliced chicken on top of the rice. Follow this with the sautéed corn mixture.

Finish off your bowl by sprinkling the remaining cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the top.

Serve it with lime wedges on the side for that extra zesty kick. Enjoy your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To keep your chicken juicy, marinate it well. Use a mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes. This helps lock in moisture.

Cook the chicken at medium heat. This allows it to cook evenly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to try different proteins, chicken isn’t your only option. Use shrimp or tofu for a tasty twist. Each option brings its own flavor.

For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. These alternatives still give you a creamy texture. You can also skip cheese altogether if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your rice bowl with a light salad. A fresh green salad with lime dressing adds a nice crunch. You could also serve tortilla chips for a fun side.

For drinks, I suggest a cold limeade or a light beer. Both options complement the flavors well. You could even try a fruity soda for something different.

Variations

Spicy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

To make this dish spicy, you can add jalapeños. Slice fresh jalapeños and mix them into your corn topping. This addition brings heat and flavor. You can also use spicy mayo. Just mix some sriracha with your mayonnaise. Drizzle it over the bowl for extra kick. This spicy twist elevates the entire meal.

Vegetarian Option

If you want a meat-free version, substitute chicken for tofu. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to remove water, then marinate it like you would the chicken. Sauté it until golden. For cheese, try vegan options. Nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese can work well. These swaps keep all the flavors while catering to dietary needs.

Grain Alternatives

You can switch up the base grain for variety. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great choices. Quinoa adds protein and has a nutty taste. Cauliflower rice is lighter and low in carbs. You can also try different types of rice. Jasmine or basmati rice can add unique flavors and aromas. These alternatives let you customize your bowl to match your taste.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, place the rice bowl in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can also separate the chicken and corn to maintain texture. The shelf life in the fridge is about three to four days. Make sure the bowl cools down before sealing it.

Freezing

For freezing options, you can freeze the chicken and corn mixture separately. This helps keep each component tasty. Wrap them well in plastic wrap or use freezer bags. For best results, eat the frozen bowls within three months.

When you are ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, heat them in a pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it; just add a splash of water to keep it moist.

FAQs

How do I make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl spicier?

To add heat, you can try a few ideas:

– Add jalapeños: Slice fresh jalapeños and mix them in.

– Use spicy mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for a spicy kick.

– Sprinkle red pepper flakes: Add these on top before serving.

– Incorporate hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the rice bowl.

These simple changes can set your taste buds on fire! Experiment and find the heat level you enjoy most.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! Here are some tips:

– Marinate the chicken: You can marinate the chicken the night before.

– Cook the rice: Make the rice a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

– Store the corn topping: Mix the corn and veggies, then keep them covered.

– Reheat before serving: Just warm everything up before you serve.

This way, you save time and enjoy a quick meal!

What can I serve with Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?

For sides, consider these delicious options:

– Black beans: Seasoned black beans pair well with the flavors.

– Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a nice touch.

– Chips and salsa: Serve crunchy chips with fresh salsa on the side.

– Mexican street corn salad: This complements the rice bowl perfectly.

These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable!

You now know how to make a delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. We explored the key ingredients, from juicy chicken to fresh corn. I shared steps for marinating chicken and preparing toppings. You gained insights on cooking tips, ingredient swaps, and storage options.

This meal is both fun to make and enjoy. Whether you stick to the original or try variations, it’s sure to please. Happy cookin

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A delicious and vibrant rice bowl featuring marinated chicken, sautéed corn, and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• to taste salt and pepper
• as needed lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

 

• Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
• While the chicken is marinating, prepare the street corn topping. In a medium bowl, combine corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and half of the cotija cheese.
• Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
• In the same pan, sauté the corn mixture for about 3-4 minutes until heated through. You can add a little olive oil if desired.
• To assemble the rice bowl, place a generous scoop of rice at the bottom of a serving bowl. Layer the sliced chicken on top, followed by the sautéed corn mixture.
• Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the bowl.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Notes

Feel free to substitute feta cheese for cotija if desired.

Keyword chicken, easy dinner, rice bowl, street corn

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