Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Introduction

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines marinated grilled chicken with zesty street corn and cilantro-lime rice. Perfect for a satisfying dinner or meal prep, this bowl is customizable with a variety of fresh toppings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (about 4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Toppings (optional):

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Additional crumbled cotija cheese
• Extra lime wedges

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
3. Prepare the Street Corn:
   • If using fresh corn, grill the corn on the cob until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off. If using frozen or canned corn, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
   • In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and crumbled cotija cheese.
   • Stir in the warm corn kernels until they are evenly coated.
   • Add chopped cilantro and mix well.
4. Prepare the Rice:
   • In a large bowl, toss the cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
   • Divide the cilantro-lime rice among the bowls.
   • Top each bowl with sliced chicken and a generous serving of the street corn mixture.
   • Add any additional toppings you like, such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, extra cheese, and lime wedges.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls warm, with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Corn Alternatives: Use roasted corn or street corn seasoning for a different flavor twist.
• Rice Choices: Swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and corn mixture separately in a microwave or skillet. Reheat rice in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken; just heat it and add the street corn and rice.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken, corn, and rice in advance and assemble the bowls just before serving.
3. Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?
   • Yes, feta cheese is a good substitute. You can also use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Can I use frozen corn?
   • Yes, frozen corn works well; just make sure to thaw and heat it before mixing with the other ingredients.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • Add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to increase the heat.
6. What can I use instead of cilantro?
   • You can use fresh parsley or basil if you prefer.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Can I grill the corn?
   • Yes, grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
9. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
10. Can I add more vegetables?
    • Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the bowls for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures. With its marinated grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and cilantro-lime rice, it’s a hearty meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this easy and satisfying bowl as a weeknight dinner or meal prep option that everyone will love!

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