Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
This vibrant and flavorful fusion dish combines the rich, smoky essence of Mexican street corn with the wholesome heartiness of a rice bowl. Juicy grilled chicken is served atop a bed of fluffy rice, topped with a creamy, tangy corn mixture bursting with spices, lime, and cotija cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish strikes the ideal balance of zest and comfort.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (cooked as per package instructions)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra cotija cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an electric skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water. Place it in a rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water (as per package instructions) and cook until fluffy. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Make the Street Corn:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until well combined and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse gently instead of blending completely.
Grill the Corn (Optional):
- If you want to enhance the flavor, grill the corn mixture in an electric grill or grill pan for a few minutes until slightly charred, then mix again.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture. Add any optional toppings, such as diced avocado or sliced jalapeños, for extra flavor and color.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an electric skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water. Place it in a rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water (as per package instructions) and cook until fluffy. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Make the Street Corn:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until well combined and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse gently instead of blending completely.
Grill the Corn (Optional):
- If you want to enhance the flavor, grill the corn mixture in an electric grill or grill pan for a few minutes until slightly charred, then mix again.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and a generous scoop of the street corn mixture. Add any optional toppings, such as diced avocado or sliced jalapeños, for extra flavor and color.
How to Serve
Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Additional Tips
- Meal Prep: Store the rice, chicken, and street corn separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, then assemble fresh bowls when ready to eat.
- Protein Variations: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu for a versatile twist.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together zesty street corn, seasoned chicken, and perfectly cooked rice!
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