Introduction
This vibrant and flavorful Chicken and Corn Rice Bowl combines the smoky, spicy taste of seasoned chicken with the sweet, creamy corn mixture.
Topped with fresh avocado, tangy lime, and crumbled cotija cheese, this dish provides a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, it’s a delicious, satisfying choice that will please the entire family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 teaspoon chili powder
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Corn Mixture:
-2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
-1 tablespoon butter
-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-1/4 teaspoon chili powder
-1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
-2 tablespoons mayonnaise
-2 tablespoons sour cream
-1 tablespoon lime juice
-2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
For the Bowl:
-2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
-1/2 cup diced tomatoes
-1 avocado, sliced
Extra cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Rub this spice mixture evenly over the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the corn mixture. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the corn kernels and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing them to slightly caramelize and become tender. Stir in smoked paprika and chili powder, mixing well.
Remove from the heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Once fully combined, fold in the chopped cilantro.
To assemble the bowl, start by placing a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Divide the cooked chicken evenly between the bowls.
arranging it on top of the rice. Spoon the creamy corn mixture over the chicken, creating a generous layer of flavor.
Next, top each bowl with diced tomatoes and sliced avocado for freshness. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of brightness.
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful combination of flavors.
How to Make
Begin by preparing the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts thinly to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the seasoning well.
Toss the sliced chicken in the spice blend, making sure it’s fully coated. Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat gives it a beautiful sear while keeping it juicy inside.
For the corn mixture, don’t rush the caramelization process in the skillet. Allow the corn to cook for a few minutes before adding the spices.
as this enhances the sweetness of the kernels. The addition of mayo and sour cream adds a creamy, luscious texture to the corn, making it an irresistible topping for your chicken and rice.
Use freshly cooked rice for the base of the bowl to ensure the texture is fluffy and the bowl remains warm.
You can also experiment with different types of rice such as cilantro-lime rice, which pairs wonderfully with the flavors in the bowl.
When assembling the bowl, don’t forget to layer the ingredients in a way that allows each bite to have a perfect balance of chicken, corn, rice, and toppings.
The creamy corn mixture will pair beautifully with the crispy chicken, making every forkful a treat.
Top with fresh tomatoes and avocado to add a refreshing contrast to the warm and savory ingredients.
The crunch of the tomatoes and the creamy texture of the avocado will balance the other rich elements in the bowl. Squeeze lime wedges on top for a zesty finish that elevates the dish.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a handful of black beans or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of extra heat.
These small additions can change the whole dynamic of the bowl, making it feel even more personalized.
Finally, don’t skip the garnish of cilantro and lime wedges. They not only add color to the dish but also contribute to the freshness and brightness of the meal.
These garnishes tie everything together beautifully, ensuring that every bite is a burst of flavor.
Tips
To make the chicken extra tender, marinate it in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to infuse the meat more deeply.
If you prefer a spicier bowl, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or add some diced jalapeños to the corn mixture. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the bowl before serving for an extra kick.
For a lighter version of the bowl, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This will still provide creaminess without the extra calories. You can also use a low-fat cheese for the cotija.
If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta cheese works as a great substitute, offering a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor. Both will add a savory touch to the corn mixture.
Consider adding a variety of vegetables to the bowl to increase the nutritional value. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even leafy greens can all complement the flavors of the dish while adding extra vitamins and fiber.
To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or frozen corn. These shortcuts can make the recipe come together quickly without sacrificing flavor.
If you’re meal prepping, keep the chicken, rice, and corn mixture separate in airtight containers. Reheat each component individually to preserve the texture and freshness of the ingredients.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Corn Rice Bowl is a perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
The combination of seasoned chicken, sweet corn, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings ensures that each bite is satisfying and full of flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Enjoy!