Description
Craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the bold tastes of Mexican street food to your table? Look no further than Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! This delightful recipe features tender, spiced chicken slow-cooked with chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, paired with zesty cilantro-lime rice and a creamy, tangy street corn mix topped with cotija cheese. The slow cooker makes the chicken effortless and juicy, while the rice and corn are prepared separately to keep their textures fresh, and the bowl is assembled with colorful toppings like avocado and jalapeños.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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Chicken Breasts (2 large, ~1.5 lbs, diced): Lean, tender protein that absorbs spices well.
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Substitution: Chicken thighs (for richer flavor), turkey breast, or tofu for vegetarian (adjust cooking time).
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Chili Powder (1 tsp): Adds smoky, spicy depth.
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Substitution: Ancho chili powder or ½ tsp cayenne for more heat.
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Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Brings deep, smoky flavor.
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Substitution: Regular paprika or chipotle powder for extra spice.
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Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Infuses savory warmth.
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Substitution: 1 fresh garlic clove, minced, or ¼ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
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Cumin (½ tsp): Provides warm, earthy notes.
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Substitution: Ground coriander or omit.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps spices adhere and adds richness.
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Substitution: Avocado oil or vegetable oil.
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Salt (½ tsp): Enhances chicken flavor.
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Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options.
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Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds mild heat.
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Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
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For the Rice
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Long-Grain Rice (1 cup, uncooked): Fluffy base for the bowl.
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Substitution: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
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Lime Juice (from 1 lime, ~2 tbsp): Adds zesty freshness.
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Substitution: Lemon juice or 1 tbsp white vinegar.
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Chopped Fresh Cilantro (2 tbsp): Brings vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
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Substitution: Parsley or green onions (less traditional).
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For the Street Corn
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Corn Kernels (2 cups, fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet, crunchy component.
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Substitution: Grilled corn off the cob or roasted sweet potato for a twist.
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Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creates creamy texture for street corn.
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Substitution: Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo.
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Crumbled Cotija Cheese (¼ cup): Adds tangy, salty richness.
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Substitution: Feta, queso fresco, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
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Chili Powder (½ tsp): Brings smoky, spicy flavor.
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Substitution: TajÃn seasoning or paprika.
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Lime Juice (from 1 lime, ~2 tbsp): Adds bright, tangy zest.
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Substitution: Lemon juice or 1 tbsp white vinegar.
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Salt (to taste, about ¼ tsp): Enhances corn flavor.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit for low-sodium diets.
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For Optional Toppings
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Diced Avocado (1, optional): Adds creamy, rich texture.
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Substitution: Guacamole or omit.
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Chopped Tomatoes (½ cup, optional): Brings fresh, juicy flavor.
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Substitution: Salsa or roasted red peppers.
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Sliced Jalapeños (1-2, optional): Adds spicy crunch.
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Substitution: Pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
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Extra Cotija Cheese (2 tbsp, optional): Enhances cheesy tang.
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Substitution: Feta or Parmesan.
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Why They’re Important: Chicken provides a spiced, protein-packed base, while cilantro-lime rice adds a fresh, zesty foundation. The street corn, with cotija and chili powder, delivers creamy, tangy street food vibes, and optional toppings like avocado and jalapeños elevate the bowl with color and texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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In a large bowl, toss 2 diced chicken breasts with 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
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Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add ¼ cup chicken broth or water to keep it moist during cooking.
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Tip: Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch) for even cooking and easy bowl assembly. Ensure spices are well-mixed for uniform flavor.
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Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Shred or leave the chicken diced, depending on preference, and stir to coat in any juices. Keep warm in the slow cooker.
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Tip: Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking. If the chicken looks dry, add 1-2 tbsp broth. Reserve any slow cooker liquid for another use (e.g., soup).
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Step 3: Cook the Rice
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About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook 1 cup long-grain rice according to package instructions (typically 15-20 minutes in 2 cups water).
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Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the juice of 1 lime (~2 tbsp) and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
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Tip: Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier texture. Use a rice cooker for hands-off prep if preferred. Add lime juice gradually to taste.
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Step 4: Prepare the Street Corn
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If using frozen corn, thaw 2 cups corn kernels or cook according to package instructions. If using canned, drain and rinse. If using fresh, boil or grill for 5-7 minutes, then cut kernels off the cob.
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In a medium bowl, combine the corn with 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.
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Tip: For extra flavor, char the corn in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes before mixing. Taste and adjust chili powder or salt as needed.
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Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
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Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among 4 serving bowls, creating a fluffy base.
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Top each bowl with a portion of the slow-cooked chicken (about ½ cup per bowl).
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Add a generous scoop of the street corn mixture (about ½ cup per bowl) next to or over the chicken.
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Garnish with optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and/or extra cotija cheese for color and flavor.
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Tip: Arrange toppings in sections for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentation. Drizzle with a squeeze of extra lime juice for brightness if desired.
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Step 6: Serve
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Serve the bowls immediately, encouraging guests to mix the components for a blend of flavors and textures.
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Pair with sides like tortilla chips with salsa, black beans, or a cucumber salad for a complete meal.
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Offer hot sauce, extra lime wedges, or sour cream on the side for customization.
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Tip: Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful layers. Warm bowls slightly in the oven for a cozy touch.
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