Why Make This Recipe
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful and wholesome dish that brings the vibrant flavors of street corn to your dinner table. Inspired by the popular Mexican street food, this rice bowl combines juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quite nutritious. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch.
Making this bowl is an excellent way to enjoy a hearty meal filled with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It incorporates different textures and flavors, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s easy to customize according to your preference, allowing you to create a meal that suits your taste and dietary needs.
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Making the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can whip up this tasty meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This not only adds flavor but also helps the chicken to brown nicely when grilled.
Grill the Chicken: Once the grill pan is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts on it. Grill them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked. You can check their doneness by cutting into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be no longer pink. After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, sliced grilled chicken, sweet corn, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. The acidity from the lime juice will enhance the flavors of the dish and add a refreshing zest. Mix everything well so that the lime juice coats the ingredients.
Serve: To serve, spoon the mixture into bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado for creaminess. You can also sprinkle on some additional cilantro for garnish, if desired.
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The beauty of the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is that it is versatile. You can serve it as a main dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with your favorite sides such as tortilla chips or a simple green salad. It can also be a fantastic choice for meal prep. Portion the mixture into containers and keep the sliced avocado separate until you’re ready to eat to keep it fresh and appealing.
For an added touch, consider offering some salsa or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can also complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
If you happen to have leftovers, you can easily store them for later. To ensure freshness, follow these steps:
Refrigeration: Place any leftover rice bowl mixture in an airtight container. Avoid adding avocado to this mixture if you plan to store it, as it can brown quickly. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and rice mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag. However, freeze only the rice and chicken mixture. To do this effectively, seal the mixture and try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Tips to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and herbs. This can elevate the dish significantly and make it even more enjoyable.
Don’t Skip the Lime: Lime juice not only brightens the flavors but also keeps the ingredients fresh. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.
Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For instance, you could add black beans for added protein or substitute quinoa for rice.
Grilling Tips: If you have an outdoor grill, you can grill the chicken there for an even smokier flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Serving Trends: Consider serving the rice bowl in a taco shell for a fun twist, or add some crispy tortilla strips on top for crunch.
Variation
There are several delightful variations you can try with the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the grilled chicken with black beans, grilled zucchini, or roasted chickpeas for a filling vegetarian option.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the mixture for some heat, or toss in some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle feta cheese or cotija on top of your bowl for a creamy, tangy addition that pairs well with the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen corn works great. Just thaw it before adding it to the mixture, or you can add it directly to the pan while grilling the chicken to heat it through.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To add more bulk to your bowl, consider incorporating beans (like black beans or kidney beans) into the mixture. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or add more rice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store the avocado separately to keep it fresh, as mentioned earlier. Prepare the rest in advance for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I grill the chicken in advance?
Certainly! You can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just slice it up when you’re ready to assemble the rice bowl, making the process even quicker.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh parsley or simply omit it. You can also add fresh basil for a different flavor profile!
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a blend of flavors and textures that makes for a satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Dive into this delicious bowl and enjoy the vibrant taste of street food at home!
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None specified
Description
A delightful and wholesome dish inspired by Mexican street food, combining grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies over a bed of rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let rest and then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sliced chicken, sweet corn, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro. Stir gently.
- Add lime juice and mix well to coat.
- Serve in bowls topped with sliced avocado and additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
For meal prep, store the rice bowl mixture and sliced avocado separately to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, rice bowl, street corn, Mexican food, meal prep