Description

Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner 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 diced chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin, slow-cooked for tenderness, paired with zesty cilantro-lime rice, and topped with a creamy, tangy street corn mixture made with corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken Breasts (2 large, ~1 lb, diced):
- Why it’s important: Provides a lean, tender protein base.
- Substitutions: Chicken thighs (juicier, same cooking time), tofu, or cauliflower for vegetarian (cook 3–4 hours on low).
Chili Powder (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, spicy depth to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Ancho chili powder or ½ tsp cayenne for more heat.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings bold, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Substitutions: Regular paprika or chipotle powder.
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 typical of Mexican cuisine.
- Substitutions: Ground coriander or omit.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Helps coat the chicken and enhances browning.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter.
Salt (to taste, about ½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the chicken’s flavors.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
Black Pepper (to taste, about ¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

For the Rice:

Long-Grain Rice (1 cup, dry, ~3 cups cooked):
- Why it’s important: Provides a fluffy, flavorful base for the bowl.
- Substitutions: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Lime Juice (Juice of 1 lime, ~2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bright, zesty flavor to the rice.
- Substitutions: Lemon juice or white vinegar.
Fresh Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped):
- 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 topping.
- Substitutions: Grilled corn off the cob or roasted bell peppers.
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 typical of 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 corn.
- Substitutions: Ancho chili powder or cayenne (use less).
Lime Juice (Juice of 1 lime, ~2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds tangy, refreshing zest to the 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, ~1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds creamy, rich texture.
- Substitutions: Guacamole or omit.
Chopped Tomatoes (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides juicy, fresh flavor.
- Substitutions: Salsa or roasted red peppers.
Sliced Jalapeños (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds spicy crunch.
- Substitutions: Pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
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 or frozen corn for the best texture, and crumble cotija cheese finely for even distribution. Fresh lime juice is key for vibrant flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Dice 2 large chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch cubes).
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, and ¼ tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth to maintain moisture.
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.
Tip: Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even seasoning, and check doneness early to avoid overcooking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Cook 1 cup long-grain rice according to package instructions (typically 15–20 minutes in 2 cups water). For added flavor, cook in chicken or vegetable broth.
Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the juice of 1 lime (~2 tbsp) and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Set aside and keep warm.
Tip: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and add lime and cilantro just before serving to maintain freshness.

Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups corn kernels (thawed if frozen, drained if canned), ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese, ½ tsp chili powder, juice of 1 lime (~2 tbsp), and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until well combined.
For a warm street corn topping (optional), sauté the mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Set aside or refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Tip: If using fresh corn, grill or char it lightly for a smoky flavor before mixing.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among 4 serving bowls (~¾ cup per bowl).
Top each bowl with cooked chicken (~½ cup per bowl), arranging it neatly over the rice.
Add a generous scoop of street corn mixture (~½ cup per bowl) next to or over the chicken.
Add optional toppings like diced avocado (¼ cup per bowl), chopped tomatoes (2 tbsp per bowl), sliced jalapeños (1 tbsp per bowl), and extra cotija cheese (½ tbsp per bowl) for color and flavor.
Tip: Arrange ingredients in sections for a vibrant presentation, or mix lightly for a casual, tossed vibe.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the bowls warm, encouraging diners to mix the components for the best flavor.
Pair with tortilla chips, a side of black beans, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tip: Serve in colorful ceramic bowls for a festive look, and offer extra lime wedges for squeezing over the bowls.