This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice. Topped with fresh goodies, it’s colorful and full of flavor!
If you’re like me, you can’t resist that crispy corn on top! It’s like a party in a bowl. I love making this for a quick lunch; it’s super simple and filling—perfect fuel for a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for quick cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works well too!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps in cooking the chicken. For a different taste, you can use avocado oil or a nut oil like coconut oil.
Chili Powder: This brings just the right amount of spice. If you like it hotter, try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown rice is healthier and adds more fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb swap.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but frozen corn works just as well. You could even use canned corn in a pinch; just rinse it first!
Cotija Cheese: This adds creaminess and a salty kick. Feta is a good substitute. You can leave it out for a dairy-free version or try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right! Make sure to season well and use medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Start with a dry chicken breast to ensure a nice sear.
- Cook it for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This keeps it juicy!
What’s the Best Way to Char the Corn?
Charred corn elevates the dish with added flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the same pan after cooking chicken to keep any leftover flavors.
- Sauté corn on medium-high for about 3-4 minutes. Stir regularly to get it charred.
- Don’t rush! Let it sit a bit for those lovely brown bits—this adds texture and taste.
Now you’re ready to make a delicious and healthy street corn chicken rice bowl! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice, crispy outside when cooked. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper together. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to flavor them well.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check—it should read 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Corn:
In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, add the corn kernels. You can use fresh or frozen corn. Sauté them over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly charred and tender. This will add a delicious smoky flavor!
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to build your bowls! Start by dividing the cooked rice among the serving bowls. Then, arrange the grilled chicken pieces on top, followed by the sautéed corn, diced red onion, and crumbled cotija cheese.
5. Add Toppings:
Next, add a generous dollop of Greek yogurt to each bowl. For an extra kick and a pop of color, sprinkle a little bit of chili powder over the yogurt.
6. Garnish:
Enhance your bowls with sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat, fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
7. Serve:
Before enjoying your delicious creation, squeeze fresh lime juice over everything for that zesty finish that ties all the flavors together!
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious street corn chicken rice bowl that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a healthy meal!
FAQ for Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I Use Cooked Chicken Instead of Grilling Fresh Chicken?
Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl. You can skip the grilling step and just warm it up in the pan with the corn for a quick and easy meal!
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese works perfectly as a substitute! For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers of This Dish?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and add extra corn, black beans, or grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more protein and flavor!
