Looking for a tasty dinner idea that’s quick and easy? The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your answer! This dish combines juicy chicken, fresh corn, and colorful veggies over fluffy jasmine rice. I’ll guide you step-by-step, sharing tips to boost flavor and make it visually stunning. Plus, with simple tweaks, you can customize it to fit your diet. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This dish combines the smokiness of paprika and the sweetness of corn for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, this bowl is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients to make it your own.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome grains, it’s a nutritious option for the whole family.
Ingredients
To make the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 ears of corn, kernels removed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Each ingredient brings a unique flavor to the bowl. The jasmine rice is soft and fragrant. The chicken adds protein and heartiness. Fresh corn kernels give a sweet crunch. Diced red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Red onion offers a sharp bite, while cilantro brings freshness. Olive oil helps everything cook evenly.
Spices like smoked paprika and chili powder add depth and warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. The optional toppings, like feta cheese and avocado, add creamy and tangy notes. Lime wedges provide a zesty finish when you squeeze them over the top.
Gather these ingredients to create a tasty meal that is both filling and fun to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika and chili powder. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want it to be golden and cooked through. This step adds great flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 2 ears of corn that you have removed the kernels from. Also, add 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for 4 to 5 minutes until the corn starts to char slightly. The char adds a sweet, smoky taste. After that, toss in 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. The onions should become soft and fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix everything. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice, the sautéed chicken, and the corn-pepper-onion mix. Toss gently to combine. This way, each bite gets that yummy flavor. Don’t forget to fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Finally, check the seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. This step is key to making your rice bowl perfect!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Rice Bowl
To cook jasmine rice, use 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch. This helps the rice stay fluffy. Bring water to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before serving.
For great texture, let the rice cool slightly before mixing it with other ingredients. This keeps the rice from getting mushy.
Cooking Techniques
To sauté vegetables, heat your skillet on medium-high. Add olive oil before the veggies. This helps them cook evenly. Start with corn and red peppers, then add onions. Cook them until the corn has a slight char. This adds depth of flavor.
Season your dish while cooking. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the taste. Smoked paprika and chili powder add warmth. Taste as you go to get it just right.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the rice bowl in vibrant bowls or a large platter. Layer the ingredients for a colorful look. Top with avocado slices and feta cheese for creaminess.
For garnishing, add a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime over the dish gives it a fresh kick. Enjoy your beautiful creation!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, use fresh corn when in season. It adds a natural sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Marinate the Chicken: Consider marinating the diced chicken in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and add fresh toppings.
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rice. Make sure all spices are gluten-free too. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, swap the chicken for black beans or grilled tofu. These options add protein while keeping it tasty and filling.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost the flavor, try adding cumin or lime zest to the chicken. These spices add depth and freshness. For cheese lovers, you can replace feta with cotija cheese. Cotija adds a creamy and salty touch that pairs well with the other flavors.
Ingredient Swaps
Want to mix it up? Use quinoa or brown rice instead of jasmine rice. These grains add a different taste and texture. You can also switch out the chicken for shrimp or beef. For veggies, add seasonal produce like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. They will add color and nutrients to your bowl.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl fresh, store leftovers promptly. Let the dish cool down before you put it away. Use airtight containers to keep out air and moisture. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. This helps to keep flavors intact.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, you want to keep the dish just as tasty. Use the stovetop or microwave for best results. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth. This prevents the rice from drying out. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, cover the bowl to trap steam. This method keeps the chicken and veggies moist.
Freezing Options
Want to save some for later? You can freeze the rice bowl. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warm. This way, your meal stays delicious!
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You spend 15 minutes prepping. Cooking takes around 15 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them. You can mix them with rice later. Don’t add avocado or lime juice until you serve. This keeps them fresh.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this rice bowl is great for meal prep. Store each part separately. Use airtight containers for best results. When ready to eat, just reheat. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor!
In this post, I shared a fun recipe for the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. You learned about the key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips to make it tasty. I also covered storage and variations for different diets.
This dish offers great flavors and is easy to customize. You can enjoy it fresh or save extras for later. Try out these ideas and create your own version! Enjoy your cooking and have fun experimentin
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 ears corn, kernels removed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- as needed lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the corn kernels and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the corn starts to char slightly and the peppers are tender. Add the red onion and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked jasmine rice, sautéed chicken, and the corn-pepper-onion mixture. Toss gently to combine.
- Fold in the chopped cilantro and check for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the rice bowl in individual bowls or one large platter. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and sliced avocado.
- Garnish with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top before enjoying.
