This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fun and tasty dish! Filled with juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, it’s colorful and satisfying. Perfect for any meal, really!
I love topping mine with a sprinkle of cheese and a squeeze of lime for that extra kick. You can whip this up in no time, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. 🌽🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: White rice is fluffier, while brown rice is a healthier option. I personally love brown rice for its nutty flavor and extra nutrients. Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs can add more flavor and tenderness. For a faster option, rotisserie chicken works well too!
Street Corn: This gives the dish a unique taste. If you can’t find street corn, mix regular corn with lime juice, cilantro, and a bit of chili powder for a similar flavor.
Cotija Cheese: While cotija is traditional, feta is a good substitute. You can also use shredded cheddar or left-out cheese for a dairy-free option.
How Can You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time?
Getting chicken to be juicy and cooked perfectly is key. Here are some steps to follow:
- Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps it brown nicely!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook in batches if needed to ensure all pieces get enough heat.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Following these tips will result in deliciously cooked chicken that you can add to your rice bowl with confidence!
Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Street Corn Mixture:
- 1 cup street corn (Mexican street corn) – fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnish:
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: sliced avocado and jalapeños for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need approximately 30 minutes to prepare this dish. This includes about 10-15 minutes of cooking time for the rice and the ingredients, making it great for a quick family dinner or a meal prep option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. You can use either water or chicken broth, which adds extra flavor. Once it’s all fluffy and cooked, set it aside to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re well-coated in the spices. This will give your chicken a delicious flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, making sure to stir occasionally. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
4. Prepare the Street Corn Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the corn kernels. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are slightly charred. This gives them a nice flavor and texture. Next, stir in the mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
To put it all together, divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Add the street corn mixture on top, followed by the cooked chicken. The colors will look beautiful!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and optional slices of avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works great in this recipe. Just toss it straight into the skillet without thawing first, and cook until heated through and slightly charred.
Can I Prepare This Rice Bowl in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat everything and assemble your bowls.
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a fantastic substitute. You can also use shredded cheddar for a different flavor, or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
