why make this recipe
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings together the flavors of grilled chicken, charred corn, and fresh toppings. It’s a wholesome meal that is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. This recipe combines the heartiness of rice with the freshness of vegetables and the richness of chicken, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of spices adds a warm and spicy kick, while the creamy lime crema ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to make and can even be adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences.
how to make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Making a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl at home is simple and fun! Follow these easy steps to create a flavor-packed meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
- 2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Prepare the Corn: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil, then add the corn kernels. Sauté the corn for about 3-4 minutes until they get lightly charred. This enhances the sweet flavor of the corn. Season the corn with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Set the seasoned corn aside once done.
Make the Lime Crema: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic powder, and salt together until smooth. Taste it and adjust the lime juice if you want a more tangy flavor. This crema will add a delicious creaminess to your bowl.
Assemble the Bowls: Take your cooked rice and place it at the bottom of your serving bowls. Start layering the ingredients on top of the rice: first add the grilled chicken slices, followed by the charred corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and finally sprinkle the cotija cheese on top.
Add the Lime Crema: Drizzle the lime crema over the assembled bowls generously. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm and fresh.
how to serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are best served warm and fresh. You can present them in individual bowls, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess. Pair these bowls with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a light Mexican beer to complement the dish. For a complete meal, you can also serve some tortilla chips on the side.
how to store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
If you have leftovers, you can easily store them. Place the components of the bowl in separate airtight containers to keep everything fresh. The rice, chicken, and beans can last in the fridge for 3-4 days, while the corn can stay fresh for about 2-3 days. However, it’s best to add the lime crema just before serving to keep it creamy. When reheating, make sure to warm everything gently in the microwave or on the stove, avoiding overheating.
tips to make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Cook the Rice in Advance: Save time by cooking the rice ahead of time. You can even make a larger batch and store it for other meals.
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference. Use quinoa instead of rice or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of chili powder or leave it out entirely. You can also season the corn with mild spices like paprika instead.
Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu for protein.
Add More Veggies: Load your bowls with more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado slices to increase the nutritional value and add more texture.
variation
There are several ways to adapt the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to suit your preferences:
Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple to the mix for a sweet and tropical flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños with the corn for an extra kick of heat. You can also switch out the lime crema for a spicy sriracha sauce.
Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a completely different taste profile.
Different Cheeses: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta or even shredded cheddar can serve as a tasty replacement.
Bowl Bases: Change the base from rice to quinoa or even a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal option.
FAQs
1. Can I make the lime crema ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the lime crema a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free products for the beans and any sauces.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s not recommended to freeze rice bowls with the toppings, you can freeze the cooked rice and proteins separately. The beans and corn can also be frozen for future meals.
4. What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Any type of rice works well; white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice all pair nicely with the other flavors.
5. How can I add more protein?
You can add additional protein by including more chicken, black beans, or even legumes like chickpeas for a heartier bowl.
Cooking up a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a straightforward and gratifying process that delivers a fantastic combination of flavors and textures, making it a winning dish for any occasion. Enjoy crafting your bowl, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant and delicious dish featuring grilled chicken, charred corn, and fresh toppings, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
- 2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and sauté the corn for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Make the Lime Crema: In a small bowl, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place cooked rice at the bottom of serving bowls and layer with grilled chicken, charred corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cotija cheese.
- Add the Lime Crema: Drizzle lime crema over the assembled bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are ready to be served warm and fresh.
Notes
Feel free to customize the ingredients or add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado. Store components separately and add crema just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, rice bowl, street corn, Mexican, healthy meal