Why Make This Recipe
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines the delightful flavors of grilled chicken, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables into a single dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. This recipe is not only simple to make, but it also captures the essence of summer with its bright, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends and family, this bowl is a perfect choice. It’s versatile, making it suitable for everyone, including those who are looking for gluten-free or even vegetarian options.
This recipe is inspired by the popular street corn often found in the bustling markets of Mexico, and it takes those amazing flavors to the next level. The creamy avocado and crumbled Cotija cheese add a rich texture that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully. Plus, you can whip this meal up in no time, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Cooking the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is straightforward, and with just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. Here’s how you can do it.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb grilled chicken, sliced
- 1 cup sweet corn, canned or grilled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cotija cheese (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, grilled chicken, sweet corn, and red bell pepper.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the mixture in bowls, topped with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and, if desired, crumbled Cotija cheese.
- Enjoy your flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Serving your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is an important step to enhance your dining experience. Here are some tips on how to serve it:
Presentation: Use a shallow bowl or plate to show off the colorful ingredients. Layer the rice first, then add the chicken and vegetables on top for an appealing look.
Add Garnishes: Before serving, sprinkle some extra cilantro and Cotija cheese on top for a lovely finishing touch. You can also add a lime wedge on the side for extra zest.
Customize Individual Bowls: Allow family members or guests to customize their bowls with extra toppings like hot sauce, onions, or other fresh veggies. This encourages everyone to create a bowl that suits their taste.
How to Store Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
If you have leftovers, storing your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl properly will ensure it stays fresh for a later meal. Here’s how to do it:
Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can store the whole bowl, but it’s often best to keep different components separate, especially the avocado, to avoid browning. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the components. Freeze the chicken and rice in a freezer bag or container. Vegetables and avocado do not freeze well, so it’s best to add those fresh upon reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave the rice and chicken until warmed. If you freeze the components separately, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can always add fresh veggies and avocado after reheating.
Tips to Make Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Choosing the Right Rice: For the best texture, consider using jasmine rice or basmati rice. They have a lovely fragrance and pair well with the other flavors in the bowl.
Grill Your Chicken: For added flavor, marinate your chicken before grilling. Simple marinades with lime juice, garlic, and spices can greatly enhance the taste.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh produce. Fresh corn and bell peppers will provide a crisp texture and a burst of flavor compared to canned options.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste your ingredients before serving. Depending on how sweet or tangy you find your corn and lime, you may want to adjust the salt and pepper.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare some of the ingredients in advance. Cook the rice and grill the chicken the night before, so you can assemble the bowls quickly during the week.
Variation
While the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish to fit your preferences:
Vegetarian Version: Replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option. This substitution keeps the protein intact and is perfect for plant-based eaters.
Different Proteins: Mix it up with shrimp or beef instead of chicken. The fresh flavors will still shine through with either choice.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. This will give your dish an extra kick that makes it exciting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, frozen corn works great in this recipe! Just thaw it and drain any excess water before using.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare most of the components ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the avocado fresh to avoid browning.
What can I serve with the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal experience.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative. It adds a nutty flavor and can be more nutritious since it retains the bran and germ.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just ensure that any sauces or additional ingredients you add are also gluten-free.
Creating the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is easy and rewarding. With its vibrant flavors and versatility, it becomes a delightful dish that can satisfy various tastes and dietary preferences, all while being simple to prepare and enjoy.
Print
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant bowl filled with grilled chicken, sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, inspired by traditional Mexican street corn.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb grilled chicken, sliced
- 1 cup sweet corn, canned or grilled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, grilled chicken, sweet corn, and red bell pepper.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the mixture in bowls, topped with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and crumbled Cotija cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your flavorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Notes
For best results, use fresh ingredients and choose jasmine or basmati rice for added fragrance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg