This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fun and tasty dish. It combines juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, all topped with zesty spices!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you want a quicker option, use cooked rotisserie chicken instead! It’s juicy and full of flavor with no extra cooking required.
Corn: The street corn makes this dish special! You can use frozen corn; just cook it quickly in a skillet with a bit of butter. If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a good substitute. It offers a similar salty taste!
Rice: I prefer brown rice for its nutty flavor and added nutrients. But white rice is fine too! Quinoa is another healthy swap if you want a gluten-free option.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking chicken so it stays juicy can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Use medium heat in your skillet; too high and it will burn outside before cooking through.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. To check doneness, cut into the thickest part—there should be no pink left.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it moist!
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges for garnish
For the Street Corn:
- 1 cup corn kernels (cooked with butter, lime juice, mayo and cotija cheese)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the chicken and the corn mixture, then about 10 minutes assembling everything into your beautiful bowls. A quick, satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create your spice mix. Then, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and coat them well with the mixed spices. This will add lots of flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; it should read 165°F (75°C) for cooked chicken. Once done, remove from the skillet and let them rest briefly, then slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Street Corn:
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the street corn. In a bowl, combine the cooked corn kernels with mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Stir everything together until mixed well. This topping is creamy and oh so delicious!
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of the street corn mixture, and sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the top for freshness. If you’d like, add some sliced avocado for that extra creaminess!
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish your bowls with lime wedges for a pop of citrus. Serve immediately and dive into this delightful and colorful dish! Enjoy every savory bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the quick method of sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist.
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese is a great alternative! It has a similar salty taste and crumbly texture, making it a perfect swap in this recipe.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to give it extra flavor and texture!
