healthy chicken rice bowl dinner
Hello, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner option, I think you’re going to love this recipe for a Chicken Rice Bowl with Street Corn. It’s a high-protein meal that is not only filling but will also make your taste buds dance with joy! I enjoy whipping this up on busy weeknights because it’s nutritious and brings a bit of that fun street food vibe right to my kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits of This Meal
Let’s chat about why this chicken rice bowl is a fantastic choice for dinner. First off, chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps to keep you feeling full and aids in muscle building. Brown rice (or quinoa, if you prefer!) adds fiber to your meal, which is excellent for digestion. And let’s not forget the street corn—sweet corn is not just delightful, but it also offers vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants to keep our bodies healthy. All in all, it’s a delicious way to fuel your body with nutritious ingredients!
Fun Variations to Make
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken or corn for a flavor kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for grilled or roasted plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Extra Greens: Toss in some chopped spinach or avocados for added creaminess and nutrients.
- Salsa Lover’s Delight: Top your bowl with fresh salsa or pico de gallo for a refreshing touch!
Easy Chicken Rice Bowl with Street Corn Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice or quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn, fresh or canned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by cooking your brown rice or quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine your rice and water (or broth), then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add in the diced chicken breast.
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- If you’re using fresh corn, add it to the skillet for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to get a bit of color. If using canned corn, simply heat it through at the end.
- Once everything is cooked, fluff the rice, and serve your delicious chicken and corn mixture over the rice. Top with chopped cilantro or green onions and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Valuable Tips
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy!
- This recipe is super adaptable! Feel free to use whatever veggies you like or have on hand.
- Don’t skip the lime! It adds a wonderful acidity that brightens up all the flavors.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this tasty chicken rice bowl:
- A medium saucepan for cooking the rice/quinoa
- A large skillet for cooking the chicken and corn
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A knife and chopping board for dicing the chicken and veggies
- A measuring cup for accurate ingredient portions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh or canned? Yes, frozen corn works great! Just add it to the skillet and let it cook until heated through.
- Is there a way to prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook the rice and chicken in advance and mix everything together when you’re ready to eat.
- Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice? Yes! Brown rice is healthy, but if you want fewer carbs, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative.
- What if I don’t have paprika? No worries! You could substitute with a little chili powder or just stick with garlic powder and cumin for a different but still tasty flavor.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free? This recipe is already dairy-free! Make sure to check for any sauces or toppings that might have dairy, though.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring your Chicken Rice Bowl with Street Corn! It’s such a fun and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. After you try it, let me know how it turned out. Did you make any variations? Share with me on Pinterest—I’m excited to hear from you and gather more food inspiration together!
