Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Quick & Healthy Meal
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavorful and colorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp corn, and fresh toppings served over rice. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights and a delightful way to bring summer vibes to your table, thanks to the bright flavors reminiscent of street-style corn. This bowl is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition, making it a family favorite.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a simple one-bowl meal that saves on cleanup. The variety of textures and flavors—from creamy avocado to crunchy corn—makes each bite enjoyable. Additionally, it’s highly customizable. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs, this dish is also balanced and satisfying, helping to keep you full without feeling heavy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional toppings: cheese, jalapeños, sour cream
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have all the ingredients, feel free to make substitutions. For instance, quinoa can replace rice for a different grain or a gluten-free option. If chicken isn’t available, any cooked protein like shrimp or black beans can work well. You can also swap out the corn for other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Experimenting with different herbs or cheeses can add unique flavors to the dish as well!
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and diced chicken. This forms the hearty base of your bowl.
Step 2: Add Fresh Ingredients
Next, add in the corn, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. These fresh ingredients will bring vibrant flavors and colors.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and squeeze in the lime juice. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Toss Together
Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and coated. The lime and olive oil will enhance the freshness of the bowl.
Step 5: Serve
You can serve the bowl warm or at room temperature. Add any optional toppings such as cheese, jalapeños, or sour cream as you like.
Success tips
To ensure your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a success, keep a few tips in mind. First, ensure the chicken is cooked properly; it should be juicy but not overcooked. When combining your ingredients, avoid mashing the avocado too much to keep its texture intact. For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice. Also, if you prefer warm rice, make sure to heat it just enough so it doesn’t dry out.
How to serve
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side, making it versatile for any meal. Consider pairing it with tortilla chips, or a light salad to make a well-rounded presentation. It’s great for lunch the next day too!
Storage & reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it gently until warm. Add a dash more lime juice or olive oil for freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base ingredients ahead of time and just add the fresh ingredients and dressing when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with black beans or additional grilled vegetables.
What can I add for extra spice?
Consider adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to enhance the heat level if you enjoy spicy food.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure your rice and toppings do not contain gluten, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the rice and chicken can be frozen, the fresh toppings like avocado and tomatoes won’t hold up well in the freezer.
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant, delicious meal that brings together simple ingredients and bold flavors in no time. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious dish with ease. Try it out today, and don’t forget to customize it to your taste!
Make sure to check out these related recipes:
- Grilled Chicken Tacos
- Avocado & Black Bean Salad
- Spicy Quinoa Bowl
- Fresh Corn Salad
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice Can use quinoa as a substitution.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced Any cooked protein can be used, such as shrimp or black beans.
- 1 cup corn kernels Fresh or canned.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced Keep texture intact while mixing.
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 unit lime, juiced Use fresh lime for best flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings
- cheese To taste.
- jalapeños To taste.
- sour cream To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and diced chicken.
- Add corn, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze in the lime juice.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Serving
- Serve warm or at room temperature with optional toppings.