Name: Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 3-4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, petite diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese), plus more for garnish; Zest of 1 lime; Juice of 1/2 lime; Sliced green onion, for garnish; Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish; Sliced jalapeno, for garnish

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and creamy comfort all in one skillet, you’ve got to try this Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken paired with sweet corn, zesty lime, and a luscious sauce made with Cotija cheese and heavy cream. Every bite is packed with a balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy notes that will have you wishing you made extra to savor later. This recipe is not only full of character but also incredibly satisfying and easy to whip up for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the bottom left, there is a bowl filled with yellow grilled corn kernels with some char marks. Above that, a smaller bowl holds chopped green bell peppers and minced garlic. To the right, a larger bowl contains chopped white onions. Next to it on the right is a bright green whole lime. Above the lime, a glass measuring cup is filled with white milk. To the left of the cup, there is a bowl with crumbly white cheese. Above that, a small bowl holds three kinds of powdered spices separated into sections: light brown, reddish-brown, and beige. Finally, at the bottom right is a white plate with two raw pale pink chicken breasts. The items are neatly arranged with clear separation between each bowl or plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this dish is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in layering the flavors and creating that irresistible texture and color that makes this meal truly special.

Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a tender bite.
Olive oil: Used in two parts to both sear the chicken and sauté the veggies, adding richness.
Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder: A blend that brings smoky warmth and depth to the chicken.
Yellow onion and red bell pepper: Fresh diced veggies add sweetness and crunch.
Corn: The star ingredient, bringing that classic street corn sweetness and texture.
Jalapeno: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the creaminess.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to boost savory notes throughout.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious sauce that brings everything together.
Cotija cheese: Crumbled for authentic flavor and creamy melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Lime zest and juice: The bright zing that balances all the richness perfectly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To season and enhance every element.
Green onion, cilantro, and extra jalapeno slices: Garnishes that add color and fresh flavor contrasts.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts thinly, which not only speeds up cooking but ensures every bite is tender and juicy. Toss the chicken in a mixture of olive oil and spices—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is essential to infuse the chicken with a smoky, savory kick that sets the tone for the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until cooked through and beautifully golden. Doing this step in batches prevents overcrowding and helps maintain that perfect crispy edge. Once done, set your chicken aside to keep warm while you move on to the veggies.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Without wiping the pan, add the remaining olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in your diced onions, red bell peppers, and corn with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cooking these until just tender lets them release their natural sweetness while scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. This builds rich flavor in the pan and forms the base of your skillet’s sauce.

Step 4: Add Heat and Aromatics

Next, stir in the minced garlic and petite diced jalapeno. The garlic infuses the dish with depth, and the jalapeno lends a gentle heat that complements the creaminess to come. Stir frequently for a couple of minutes, ensuring the ingredients mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the crumbled Cotija cheese. The magic happens here as you stir until the cheese melts completely, transforming into a smooth, rich sauce that coats every delicious component. This step is what makes the Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe so indulgent and comforting.

Step 6: Brighten and Finish

Brighten the skillet by adding the zest and juice of fresh lime. This citrusy splash cuts through the richness, balancing the cream and cheese perfectly. Nestle your chicken back into the sauce, letting everything warm through for a minute or so to blend the flavors harmoniously.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white round plate holds four large cooked pieces of chicken, each with a well-browned, crispy skin that shows charred grill marks and a mix of reddish-brown and golden-yellow seasoning. The chicken pieces are arranged in a circle, slightly apart, allowing the orange-tinted cooking juices to pool around them on the plate. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture that contrasts with the rich colors of the chicken. The lighting highlights the texture and crispiness of the chicken skin, making it look freshly cooked and flavorful photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh slices of green onion, chopped cilantro, and a few extra jalapeno slices add a burst of color and fresh, peppery notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. They also bring a bit of crunch and herbaceous aroma that elevate the entire experience.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted veggies add a fresh, crunchy component that balances out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this skillet with warm tortillas to build your own tacos or wraps. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. The creamy sauce pairs well with multiple bases, so let your creativity flow!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze it without garnishes and add fresh herbs when you reheat.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to revive its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, but be mindful of adjusting cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great substitute and provides a similar salty, tangy flavor that melts nicely into the sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is mild and adjustable. Removing the jalapeno seeds and ribs softens the spice, but you can always add more or less depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using a dairy-free cheese or skipping the cheese altogether, you can make a tasty dairy-free version.

How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This skillet meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe is a vibrant, comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Its combination of bold spices, fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and zest of lime makes every dinner feel like a little celebration. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!