Description: A vibrant and flavorful bowl that combines tender, spiced chicken with creamy, cheesy street corn and fluffy rice. This recipe brings the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn (elotes) into a satisfying and customizable rice bowl. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs 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, 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
- Extra crumbled cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with the vibrant spices and ensuring a delicious final product.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn:
If using frozen corn, thaw it before cooking. In a medium skillet, cook the corn over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through and slightly charred. This step enhances the sweetness and adds a smoky flavor to the corn. Remove the corn from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), cotija cheese or feta, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to achieve the desired flavor balance.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice:
If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package directions. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. In a bowl, combine the cooked rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine. This adds a refreshing and zesty element to the rice, complementing the other flavors in the bowl.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cilantro-lime rice between bowls. Top with the sliced or shredded chicken and the street corn mixture. Add your desired toppings, such as sliced avocado or guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, extra crumbled cotija cheese, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe is a guaranteed winner because it’s bursting with flavor, easy to customize, and satisfyingly wholesome. The combination of tender, spiced chicken, creamy, cheesy street corn, and zesty cilantro-lime rice creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more. It is also a very balanced meal. It provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The fresh toppings add a burst of freshness and visual appeal, making it a dish that’s both delicious and fun to eat.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, try different types of cheese, or add your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless! It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights as the components can be prepped ahead of time and assembled quickly when you’re ready to eat. This dish is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
- Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their bowls.
- Pair with a refreshing margarita or Mexican beer.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side salad or grilled vegetables.
- For a potluck or party, serve the components separately and allow guests to build their own bowls.
- If you like beans, adding black beans can be very satisfying.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, grill the corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice or rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired level of spice.
- If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta or queso fresco are good substitutes.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will result in even more flavorful and tender meat.
- When heating up the bowl as leftovers, be mindful that the avocado should be added after the bowl has been heated.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 400-600mg
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the joy of cooking. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily create this flavorful dish and impress your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling happy and satisfied. This rice bowl is a fantastic addition to your regular meal rotation.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Ensure that the chicken is fully thawed before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate evenly.
Q2: I don’t have cotija cheese. What can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can use feta or queso fresco as substitutes. Feta cheese has a similar salty and crumbly texture to cotija, while queso fresco is a mild and fresh cheese that will also work well in this recipe. You can find these cheeses in most grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese section.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, seasoned tofu, or black beans. Halloumi cheese has a firm texture that holds up well to grilling, while tofu can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of the chicken. Black beans add a hearty and protein-rich element to the bowl.
Q4: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the chicken and rice are cooled completely before storing them. When reheating, you can microwave the bowl or reheat the components separately in a skillet. Add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro after reheating to maintain their freshness.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the street corn mixture?
A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables to the street corn mixture to customize the flavor and texture. Diced bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini can be added to the skillet along with the corn for extra nutrients and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
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