Description

Craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a festive Valentine’s Day meal? Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is your answer! Adapted from the original stovetop recipe, this slow cooker version features tender diced chicken seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, slow-cooked for juiciness, paired with cilantro-lime rice, and topped with a zesty street corn mixture of cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime, and chili powder.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Large Chicken Breasts (2, ~1 lb total, diced):
- Why it’s important: Provides lean, tender protein that absorbs the smoky spices.
- Substitutions: Chicken thighs (juicier, same cooking time), tofu, or jackfruit for vegetarian (cook 3–4 hours on low).
Chili Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, mild heat to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Ancho chili powder, cayenne (use less), or paprika.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings deep, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Regular paprika or ½ tsp liquid smoke with paprika.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the chicken with savory, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or ¼ tsp garlic paste.
Cumin (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds warm, earthy flavor to complement the spices.
- Substitutions: Ground coriander or omit.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Helps coat the chicken with spices and prevents sticking in the slow cooker.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or cooking spray.
Salt (to taste, about ½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and spices.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
Black Pepper (to taste, about ¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth to the chicken.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

For the Rice:

Long-Grain Rice (1 cup, uncooked, ~3 cups cooked):
- Why it’s important: Provides a fluffy, neutral base for the bowl.
- Substitutions: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Lime Juice (from 1 lime, ~2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bright, zesty flavor to the rice.
- Substitutions: Lemon juice or white vinegar.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings fresh, herbaceous flavor to the rice.
- Substitutions: Parsley, green onions, or omit.

For the Street Corn:

Corn Kernels (2 cups, fresh, frozen, or canned):
- Why it’s important: Provides sweet, crunchy texture for the street corn.
- Substitutions: Grilled zucchini or roasted sweet potatoes.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Creates a creamy base for the street corn.
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo.
Crumbled Cotija Cheese (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds tangy, salty flavor to the street corn.
- Substitutions: Feta, queso fresco, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
Chili Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings smoky, spicy flavor to the street corn.
- Substitutions: Paprika or cayenne (use less).
Lime Juice (from 1 lime, ~2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds tangy brightness to the street corn.
- Substitutions: Lemon juice or white vinegar.
Salt (to taste, about ¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the street corn.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.

Optional Toppings:

Diced Avocado (1, ~½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds creamy, rich texture and freshness.
- Substitutions: Guacamole or omit.
Chopped Tomatoes (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides juicy, fresh contrast to the creamy corn.
- Substitutions: Salsa or roasted red peppers.
Sliced Jalapeños (1–2, ~¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds spicy crunch to the bowl.
- Substitutions: Pickled jalapeños, banana peppers, or omit.
Extra Cotija Cheese (2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the tangy, cheesy flavor.
- Substitutions: Feta or nutritional yeast.

Additional for Slow Cooker:

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or lime juice for extra zest.

Tip: Use fresh corn for the best texture in the street corn, and crumble cotija cheese fresh for optimal flavor. If using canned corn, drain well to avoid excess moisture.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Dice 2 large chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth to maintain moisture.
Tip: Dice the chicken uniformly for even cooking, and mix spices well to ensure full coverage.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C internally) and tender.
Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
Once cooked, shred or leave the chicken diced, depending on preference, and stir to coat in the cooking juices.
Tip: If the chicken releases too much liquid, remove some before serving to avoid a watery bowl.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Cook 1 cup long-grain rice according to package instructions (typically 15–20 minutes, yielding ~3 cups cooked).
Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the juice of 1 lime (~2 tbsp) and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
Keep warm until ready to assemble.
Tip: Rinse rice before cooking to prevent stickiness, and add lime juice while the rice is hot for better absorption.

Step 4: Make the Street Corn

If using fresh corn, boil or grill 2 cups corn kernels for 3–5 minutes, then cool slightly. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry; if canned, drain well.
In a medium bowl, combine the corn kernels with ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese, ½ tsp chili powder, the juice of 1 lime (~2 tbsp), and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lime juice or chili powder if desired.
Tip: For a charred flavor, sauté the corn in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among 4 serving bowls (~¾ cup per bowl).
Top each bowl with a portion of the cooked chicken (~¼ of the total).
Add a generous scoop of the street corn mixture (~½ cup per bowl).
Garnish with optional toppings like diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or extra cotija cheese for added flavor and color.
Serve immediately, encouraging diners to mix the components for the best flavor.
Tip: Arrange toppings in sections for a vibrant presentation, and serve with lime wedges for extra zest.