If you love bold flavors and a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in one pan, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant twist on classic street corn but elevated with tender, juicy chicken and a luscious creamy sauce that’s packed with spices, fresh herbs, and a touch of tang. Every bite bursts with the sweetness of corn, the smoky warmth of chili powder, and the satisfying richness from cream cheese and Cotija, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple but the ingredients are crucial to building its unforgettable flavor and texture. Each element brings something special, from the tender chicken to the creamy base and the fresh brightness of lime and cilantro.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful bites that soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Adds natural sweetness and pop with every mouthful.
- Butter: Used to sauté and build a rich flavor foundation.
- Garlic, minced: A savory aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Diced green chiles: Introduces a mild heat and delightful zest.
- Chili powder: Brings warm, smoky spice essential for that street corn character.
- Cream cheese: Offers a luscious creaminess that binds the flavors beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smooth texture and subtle tang.
- Sour cream: Balances richness with a cool, tangy finish.
- Cotija cheese, crumbled: The authentic salty crumble that gives the recipe true street corn authenticity.
- Green onions, chopped: Provides fresh crunch and color.
- Lime, cut into wedges: Adds brightness and acidity to awaken the palate.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Delivers a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant green.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season and enhance all the ingredients.
How to Make Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder to set the foundation of flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt one tablespoon of butter. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This step is vital as it locks in juiciness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Mixture
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter to capture any leftover chicken flavors. Add minced garlic, corn kernels, diced green chiles, and chili powder, stirring everything together. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the corn to warm and the spices to marry. This fragrant base will become the creamy, dreamy filling for your chicken dish.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
Now it’s time to transform the corn mixture into something irresistibly creamy. Stir in the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, mixing continuously until the texture is perfectly smooth and rich. This combination creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite, while adding a subtle tang and velvety mouthfeel.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them right into the corn mixture so the flavors meld together. Top everything with dollops of sour cream, a generous sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing. Serve the skillet piping hot to enjoy that delightful interplay of textures and tastes at their very best.
How to Serve Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the garnishes not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a stunning visual appeal. Fresh green onions bring crispness, while the crumbled Cotija cheese adds a salty punch and creamy crumble that lightens the richness. A squeeze of lime is essential to brighten every bite with a refreshing citrus zing, and fresh cilantro adds a beautiful herbal note that completes the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out or serve a crowd, consider light and simple sides. A crisp green salad or a side of cilantro-lime rice complements it wonderfully, keeping the focus on the bold flavors of your Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in small cast-iron skillets right at the table for an inviting rustic feel. You can also stuff the creamy corn mixture and chicken into warm tortillas or serve it over toasted crusty bread as an open-faced sandwich. Every variation is a crowd-pleaser and a chance to enjoy the dish in new, exciting ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making the next-day meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe, but it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and corn mixture separately without the fresh toppings. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the creamy sauce stays smooth and the chicken heats evenly. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and sprinkle of green onions after reheating to revive the fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly and is very convenient. Just thaw it slightly or add it straight to the skillet, cooking a bit longer to heat through.
What if I don’t have Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute that provides a similarly salty and crumbly texture, though Cotija offers a more authentic flavor for street corn dishes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and green chiles but nothing too overpowering. You can easily adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the corn mixture ahead and store it separately, then cook and add the chicken fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and taste.
What’s the best way to serve this for a family dinner?
Serving the Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe family-style straight from the pan is perfect for casual dinners. Pair it with simple sides and let everyone help themselves—easy, delicious, and full of fun!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe enough. It’s warm, inviting, and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly special that your whole family will adore.
Print
Chicken Street Corn Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Chicken Street Corn Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish inspired by the classic Mexican street corn, combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy corn mixture loaded with fresh ingredients like Cotija cheese, green chiles, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
Corn Mixture
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (used above, total)
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Toppings
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder. This will add a subtle heat and flavor to the meat.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter until sizzling and melted.
- Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Corn Mixture: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, corn kernels, diced green chiles, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the corn is heated through and fragrant.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise to the corn mixture. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly and the sauce is creamy and coats the corn evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Corn: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy corn mixture to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Toppings and Finish: Spoon the sour cream onto the skillet, sprinkle with crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
- Serve: Serve the skillet hot as a delicious and hearty meal inspired by Mexican street corn flavors. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels based on your preference or availability.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity to your desired spice level, or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with chili powder.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter topping option.
