Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
The key to this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled or frozen)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup sour cream (reserve half for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- For the Rice & Assembly:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Now that you have your ingredients, follow these easy steps to prepare your Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl:
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in this marinade and let them rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until it is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat, let rest, then slice.
- Step 3: Make the Street Corn Topping: In a bowl, combine the corn, red onion, 1/2 cup sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled feta cheese, and chili powder. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
- Step 4: Heat the Rice: Reheat the cooked rice with a splash of water in a saucepan or microwave until warm and fluffy.
- Step 5: Assemble the Bowls: Spoon the rice into bowls. Top with sliced chicken and the street corn mixture. Garnish with additional feta, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Step 6: Finish & Serve: Drizzle with the remaining sour cream or sprinkle with chili-lime seasoning if desired. Serve warm with extra lime on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust cooking time, as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or skillet before serving.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños to the street corn mixture to provide extra heat.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this bowl?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted vegetables and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
5. Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn topping a day in advance. Just assemble the bowl when you’re ready to eat!
Conclusion
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, bringing together grilled chicken, sweet corn, creamy toppings, and aromatic rice. This recipe not only nourishes but also excites your taste buds with its fresh ingredients and spices. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and feel free to personalize the recipe to match your taste preferences!