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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup brown rice - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish When I create a healthy chicken bowl, I focus on fresh and vibrant ingredients. The chicken provides lean protein, while brown rice adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Corn brings sweetness and crunch, and the red bell pepper adds a colorful touch. The ripe avocado is creamy and rich, making everything even better. For the marinade, I use simple but tasty components. Olive oil adds healthy fat, while lime juice gives freshness. Chili powder and ground cumin bring warmth and depth to the chicken. I always season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you want to take it up a notch, add fresh cilantro on top. It adds a burst of color and a bright flavor. This combination of ingredients creates a delicious and balanced meal. For the full recipe, check out the Healthy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Corn. To start, rinse the brown rice under cold water. This step helps remove extra starch. Next, combine 1 cup of rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes. You will know it's done when the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed. When finished, remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. While the rice is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss it well. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up those delicious flavors. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to turn a lovely golden brown color. Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Using the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and corn kernels. Sauté this mixture over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. You want the bell pepper to become tender while the corn stays slightly crunchy. To assemble your healthy chicken bowl, take serving bowls and place a generous scoop of the cooked rice as the base. On top of the rice, layer the cooked chicken, followed by the sautéed corn and bell pepper. Finally, finish with diced avocado on top for creaminess. For a fresh finish, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over each bowl. This adds flavor and a nice pop of color. Serve your healthy chicken bowl right away. Enjoy each bite of this delightful meal! For a detailed guide, check out the Full Recipe. When making your healthy chicken bowl, choosing the right ingredients is key. For corn, you can choose between fresh and frozen. Fresh corn has a sweet, crisp taste. Look for bright yellow ears with firm kernels. If you opt for frozen corn, pick a brand with no added sugar. It is just as tasty and saves time. Next, let's talk about avocados. Choosing ripe avocados is important for the best flavor. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should not be too hard or too mushy. If they are firm, leave them on the counter for a few days to ripen. Cooking brown rice can be simple if you follow a few steps. First, rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Then, combine it with water in a pot, using a 1:2 ratio. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer until tender, about 30-35 minutes. For the chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Marinate it for about 10 minutes to let the flavors soak in. Use a medium-high heat when cooking in a skillet. This helps the chicken turn golden brown and stay juicy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. To take your chicken bowl to the next level, add spices! Chili powder and cumin bring warmth and depth. You can also experiment with other spices like paprika or garlic powder for added kick. If you want to change up the flavors, consider different marinades. A honey-soy mixture can give a sweet and savory taste. A yogurt-based marinade adds creaminess and tang. Get creative and find what pleases your palate! For the full recipe, check out the Healthy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Corn. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken with turkey or tofu. Turkey has a similar taste but is leaner. It cooks just like chicken, so follow the same steps. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Use firm tofu and press it to remove water. Then, cube it and marinate it like you would the chicken. Seafood variations are also fun. Shrimp or salmon can add a fresh twist. Shrimp cooks fast, so just sauté it until it turns pink. For salmon, bake or grill it until the fish flakes easily. Both options bring new flavors to your bowl. If you want to mix things up, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa is a protein-rich grain. Rinse it before cooking, just like brown rice. Use the same water ratio, but cook it for about 15 minutes. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs. You can buy it pre-made or make it yourself. Just pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice. Sauté it for a few minutes until tender. You can also mix different types of rice. A blend of brown and white rice adds texture and flavor. This combination cooks well together, making it easy to enjoy. Adding more vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Try spinach, kale, or zucchini. These veggies cook quickly and pair nicely with chicken and corn. Adjust your seasoning based on the vegetables you choose. For example, add garlic when cooking spinach for an extra kick. Or, sprinkle some Italian herbs over zucchini for a fresh taste. Each addition makes your bowl unique and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Healthy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Corn. To keep your healthy chicken bowl fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the chicken and rice cool down. This helps avoid excess moisture. Properly stored, your meal lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. You can freeze portions of your chicken bowl for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide the chicken, rice, and veggies into portions. This makes it easy to grab later. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. Stir occasionally until it's hot throughout. Preparing your chicken bowl in advance saves time during the week. Cook the rice and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Dice the bell pepper and avocado fresh to keep them crisp. When ready to eat, just assemble your bowl quickly. This way, you can enjoy a healthy meal with little effort. To add heat to your chicken bowl, try these tips: - Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet while cooking. - Mix in some hot sauce or chili flakes into the marinade. - Use a spicier chili powder or add cayenne pepper for extra kick. These small changes can really boost the flavor. It’s all about balancing the heat with the other flavors in your bowl. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Here are some meat alternatives: - Use firm tofu, diced and marinated like the chicken. - Substitute cooked chickpeas or black beans for protein. - Try seitan or tempeh for a meat-like texture. These options provide great protein and flavor while keeping the dish healthy. You can pair your chicken bowl with several tasty side dishes. Consider: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for added veggies. - Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa for a fun twist. Each side dish brings new flavors and textures to your meal. Yes, this chicken bowl can be gluten-free. Just check these ingredients: - Brown rice is naturally gluten-free. - Ensure your chili powder and other spices are gluten-free. - Use fresh corn and avoid any packaged corn with additives. With the right choices, you can enjoy this dish without worries. The total time to prepare this meal is about 50 minutes, broken down like this: - Prep time: 15 minutes for chopping and marinating. - Cooking time: 35 minutes to cook rice and chicken. The dish comes together quickly, making it great for busy nights. You can use instant rice, but there are pros and cons: - Instant rice cooks faster, usually in about 5-10 minutes. - However, it may have less flavor and texture compared to brown rice. If you’re short on time, instant rice can work. Just remember to adjust your cooking times. This article guides you to make a tasty chicken bowl. You learned about the main ingredients and how to cook them step by step. I shared tips on picking fresh items and ways to make the dish your own. With options for meal prep and variations, you can easily customize this recipe. Enjoy crafting your delicious chicken bowl, and feel free to experiment! Your kitchen creativity will shine through in every bite.

Healthy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Corn

Discover the ultimate Healthy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Corn that’s bursting with flavor! This delicious recipe combines juicy chicken, nutritious brown rice, and vibrant vegetables, all topped with creamy avocado and fresh cilantro. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a wholesome meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup brown rice

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 ripe avocado, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice: Begin by rinsing the brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium-sized pot, combine 1 cup of rinsed brown rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and allow the rice to cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until it becomes tender and all the water is absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff gently using a fork.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss well to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

      Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and achieves a lovely golden brown color. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.

        Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the diced red bell pepper and corn kernels. Sauté the mixture over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is tender and the corn is heated through, retaining a slight crunch.

          Assemble the Bowl: To assemble, take serving bowls and place a generous scoop of the cooked brown rice as the base. Layer on the cooked chicken, followed by the sautéed corn and bell pepper, then finish with the diced avocado on top.

            Garnish and Serve: For a vibrant finish, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over each bowl. This not only enhances the flavor but adds a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy chicken bowl!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4