I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes with you today: the Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! This dish is like a fiesta in a bowl, and trust me, it’s just as delicious as it sounds! I’ve always loved street corn, with its buttery, cheesy goodness and a sprinkle of chili. Pair that with tender chicken and fluffy rice, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly flavorful.
I have fond memories of making this recipe during warm summer nights when friends would gather at my house. The laughter filled the air as we chowed down on these delicious bowls, each bite bursting with flavor! It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough if you’re entertaining. Plus, it leaves room for creativity, so let’s dive into what makes this bowl so special!
What’s in Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Tender and juicy, diced chicken breast is the perfect protein to soak up all those delicious spices!
Cooked Rice: I prefer a wild rice mix for added texture and flavor, but any cooked rice you have on hand will work just fine. It serves as a hearty base for all the goodness!
Corn: Whether fresh or frozen, corn adds a sweet crunch that elevates the whole dish. If you can get fresh corn, definitely use it; it’s sweet and in-season flavor is unbeatable.
Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese: Crumbled cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish that brings everything together. I usually opt for queso fresco for that authentic street corn vibe, but feta is great too!
Fresh Cilantro: This aromatic herb adds a burst of freshness and color to the bowl. Don’t skip it, unless you’re one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap!
Olive Oil: Helps to cook the chicken to perfection and sauté the corn. I’m a big fan of extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor.
Chili Powder: This spice adds a lovely kick that brings warmth to the dish. Adjust according to your spice sensitivity!
Cumin: Adds an earthy depth of flavor. A must-have in any Southwestern-inspired dish!
Garlic Powder: Even though I adore fresh garlic, garlic powder is such a quick and easy addition to give that irresistible aroma.
Salt and Pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors in this vibrant dish.
Lime Wedges: All great dishes need a zing of citrus, and lime does just that! It’s the finishing touch that brightens the whole dish.
Is Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Good for You?
Absolutely! This bowl is nutritious and can be customized to fit your dietary needs. The **chicken breast** packs in protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. The **wild rice mix** lends fiber to your meal, and we all know how important that is for digestive health! The generous helping of **corn** introduces vitamins A and C, while the **cilantro** provides a fresh touch with its own set of health benefits, including antioxidants.
However, it’s worth mentioning that if you’re watching your sodium intake, be careful with any added salt and cheese. Using low-sodium options is a great way to keep it healthier. Overall, this Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and hearty choice that can totally fit into a balanced diet!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups cooked rice (wild rice mix preferred)
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges for serving
This recipe serves about 4, perfect for dinner guests or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl?
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and add the seasoned chicken. Cook until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the corn and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until slightly charred. Give it a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
4. To assemble the bowl, start with a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base.
5. Top your rice with the sautéed corn and the delicious diced chicken.
6. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro over everything.
7. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra burst of flavor.
8. And finally, enjoy your Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
Tips for a Fiesta in Every Bite!
– Want to spice it up? Toss in some jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
– Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian option.
– You could add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to make it a little creamier. Trust me; it’s heavenly!
– Leftovers? This bowl is great for meal prep! Store each component separately and assemble when you’re ready to chow down!
I hope you give this Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl a try! It’s such a joyful dish that really encapsulates the flavor of summer, any time of year. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. So grab your apron, put on some lively music, and let’s get cooking!
