– **Title**: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 lime, juiced (plus wedges for serving)
– 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Tortilla chips (optional, for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Cook the Rice**: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. **Prepare the Chicken**: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breast with chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat.
3. **Prepare the Street Corn Mixture**: In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and half of the cotija cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Assemble the Bowls**: In serving bowls, start with a layer of fluffy jasmine rice, followed by the seasoned chicken and then the street corn mixture.
5. **Garnish**: Top with the remaining cotija cheese and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and crushed tortilla chips on the side if desired for added crunch.
6. **Enjoy**: Mix the ingredients together in your bowl for a delicious and hearty meal that combines the flavors of street corn and grilled chicken.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb flavors. If you’re looking for a substitute, try chicken thighs for more moisture, or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Corn: Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch, but frozen corn works just as well. Canned corn is another alternative; just rinse it to reduce sodium. I often prefer fresh, especially in summer when it’s in season!
Rice: White rice is a classic choice, but you can switch it up with brown rice for more fiber or quinoa for a protein boost. If you want a fun twist, try using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Aromatics: Scallions and cilantro bring freshness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a mild substitute for cilantro, and chives can replace scallions.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting juicy chicken can be a challenge, but it can be done with a few tips. Start with marinating the chicken to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Use a good quality soy sauce to enhance flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, longer if possible.
- When cooking, preheat your skillet and use a blend of olive oil and sesame oil for added taste. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too often. Let it sear properly on one side for 6-7 minutes before flipping, then baste with the marinade.
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking for about 5 minutes. This helps retain its natural juices when you slice it.
How to Make a Delicious Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped (green onions)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. Start by marinating the chicken, which is a great way to infuse flavor while you get everything else ready. The grilled chicken paired with fresh corn makes for a fantastic meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to soak in beautifully!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Take the chicken out of the marinade (but don’t throw that marinade away!) and place it in the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and has a lovely golden brown color. For even more flavor, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade as it cooks. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Corn:
In that same skillet, add the corn (fresh or frozen) and sauté it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly charred. This adds a delightful taste and texture! Season the corn with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance its natural sweetness.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked rice between two bowls. On top of each bowl, add slices of the chicken, the sautéed corn, and sprinkle with the chopped scallions and cilantro. You can really mix and match according to your taste!
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for a nice crunch and presentation. Serve each bowl with lime wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over your delicious creation. Enjoy your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a great healthier alternative. Just remember that it takes longer to cook, approximately 45-50 minutes, so plan accordingly. Make sure to increase the water ratio to about 2:1 for fluffy rice!
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup work well and will still provide that nice touch of sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, you can also try using a sugar-free sweetener, just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken and corn together in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it nice and moist!
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Sure! To make this a vegetarian dish, substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh. Simply cube the tofu, marinate it like the chicken, and sauté until golden brown. This keeps the delicious flavors while offering a great plant-based option!
