Name: Chicken Rice Bowl with Charred Corn, Black Beans, and Lime Crema Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice); 2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced); 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed); 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt (for lime crema); 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; Juice of 1 lime

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with flavorful grilled chicken, charred corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime crema, it comes together quickly and is sure to please the whole family.

A white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of white rice mixed with chopped green herbs, topped with bright yellow cooked corn covering half the bowl, then pieces of grilled, charred chicken with a rich brown color rest on the corn and rice. Dollops of creamy white sauce with red chili flakes are placed over the rice layer on one side. Several lime wedges with a light green color are placed neatly on the corn. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered corn kernels, red chili flakes, and fresh green herb leaves around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the corn kernels for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to make the lime crema. Adjust the lime juice to your taste preference.
Step 3: Assemble the bowls by starting with a base of cooked rice. Layer the grilled chicken slices, charred corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cotija cheese evenly on top.
Step 4: Drizzle the lime crema over each bowl and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Rice Bowl!

Tips & Variations

Swap cotija cheese for feta or queso fresco if unavailable for a similar tangy flavor.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own to save time.
Add avocado slices or a handful of shredded lettuce for extra freshness and texture.
For a spicier kick, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning or drizzle with hot sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lime crema separate to maintain its freshness. When reheating, warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stove, then add the fresh toppings and crema before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is white rice with some green herb bits mixed in, the middle layer is bright yellow corn kernels spread over half the rice, and the top layer has pieces of grilled chicken with a charred, dark brown color sprinkled with chopped green herbs. On one side, there are creamy white sauce dollops with red chili flakes scattered on top, and on the other side, there are three lime wedges placed over the corn. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered herbs and corn around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw it before sautéing or cook it straight from frozen; you might need a little extra time to char it properly.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken?

Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can also pan-sear or bake the chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure to season them well and cook until fully done.