This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with tasty chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, all mixed together for a perfect meal! It’s colorful and full of flavor!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up! I love adding some avocado on top for extra creaminess. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-bowl meal? So simple and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: I love using brown rice for a nutty flavor and extra fiber. But any white rice works great too. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked rice is an easy time-saver!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shred a rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds extra flavor!
Street Corn: Authentic street corn is grilled and seasoned. You can use canned or frozen corn if fresh is not available. Just give it a quick sauté for warmth and flavor.
Cotija Cheese: This cheese is salty and crumbly, adding a nice texture. If you can’t find it, feta works well too! In a pinch, just use shredded mozzarella for creaminess.
Mayonnaise: For a healthier version, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It adds creaminess while cutting down on fat.
How Can You Make This Dish Extra Flavorful?
Building layers of flavor in this dish is key! Here are some simple tips:
- Sear the chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice crust!
- Season well: Don’t skimp on the spices. They transform the dish into something special!
- Mayo mix: Mixing the corn with mayonnaise and cheese not only adds creaminess but enhances the overall flavor. If you can, let it sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for bright, fresh flavors. The lime juice also adds a zesty kick!
- Serve hot: Enjoy it warm for the best experience; the flavors truly shine when freshly made.
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 cup street corn (Mexican-style grilled corn) or canned/frozen corn, drained
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and half of the chili powder. This will give your chicken lots of flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips.
3. Make the Street Corn Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, the remaining chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well blended. This will add a creamy and delicious touch to your bowl!
4. Assemble Your Rice Bowl:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl of rice with sliced chicken, then generously spoon the street corn mixture over the top.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
Garnish your rice bowls with fresh cilantro and avocado slices, if using. Add lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice right before enjoying!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your flavorful Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is ready to be served! Dig in and enjoy this delicious meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover chicken works perfectly. Just skip the cooking step and mix your chicken directly into the bowl with the rice and street corn mixture.
Can I Substitute the Corn?
Yes! If you can’t find street corn, any canned or frozen corn will do. For a twist, try using roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini for additional flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can This Dish Be Made Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and using vegan mayonnaise along with nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor!
