This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fun mix of flavors! With juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice, it’s a tasty meal that feels like a fiesta in a bowl.
I find this bowl super comforting and easy to whip up on busy days. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that brings all your favorites together? Yum! 🌽🍗🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken is great for this dish. If you prefer something plant-based, try using firm tofu or chickpeas for a veggie option!
Rice: I usually go for regular white rice because it’s fluffy, but brown rice adds more fiber. Quinoa could also be a fun swap for a protein boost.
Corn: Street-style corn is sweet and delicious. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just as well—no need to thaw before cooking!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite cheese. Vegan cheese is also a good substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right can make all the difference. The key is to season it well before cooking. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Cut the chicken into even pieces for more uniform cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium heat; this allows the chicken to brown without burning.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through—no pink in the center!
Letting it rest for a minute or two helps keep the juices in. Perfectly cooked chicken makes your rice bowl extra tasty!
Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Protein: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Grains: 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- Vegetables: 1 cup street-style corn (corn kernels, fresh or frozen)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil
- Spices: 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bowl takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend a little time cooking the chicken and veggies, and then it’s just a matter of assembling your flavorful bowl. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Begin by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s fluffy and cooked, set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will coat the chicken with delicious flavors!
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Corn and Bell Pepper:
In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the corn and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies are tender and slightly charred. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to assemble! Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with the cooked chicken, sautéed corn, and bell peppers. It’s starting to look tasty!
5. Add the Final Touches:
Sprinkle shredded cheese, green onions, and fresh cilantro over each bowl for added flavor and crunch. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, garnish the bowls with lime wedges. Just squeeze a bit of lime juice over everything for a fresh burst of flavor just before you dig in. Enjoy your delightful Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking. The most effective way is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Street-Style Corn?
No problem! If you can’t find street-style corn, frozen corn works perfectly as a substitute. You can also use fresh corn cut off the cob, or even canned corn if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid if using canned corn.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s flavors!
