Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

Introduction

The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with the savory goodness of chicken, all cooked in one skillet. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, creamy corn, and a vibrant mix of spices, all topped with a tangy, cheesy finish. Inspired by the popular Mexican street food, elote, this skillet meal provides the same delicious flavors in a convenient and easy-to-make format.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a hearty and wholesome option that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with rice, tortillas, or just on its own, the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet is sure to deliver a satisfying meal with a punch of flavor.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep for the week
• Family-friendly gatherings
• Outdoor BBQs and cookouts
• Mexican food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

Here’s why Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet will quickly become one of your go-to recipes:

• Bold, Mexican Flavors: The combination of roasted corn, spices like chili powder and cumin, fresh lime, and cilantro makes this skillet a fiesta of flavors.
• Easy One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, making it a quick and simple meal with minimal cleanup.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are seared to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor. Paired with the corn and seasonings, it makes for a delightful meal.
• Cheesy & Creamy: The final touch of crumbled cotija cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime transforms this skillet into a rich and satisfying dish.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, or even hot sauce for extra heat, to tailor the dish to your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

To make the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients and some spices that are key to bringing out that classic Mexican flavor:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn if using fresh)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime (zested and juiced)
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, hot sauce, salsa

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: The lean protein in the chicken provides a hearty base to the skillet, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the corn and spices.
• Corn: Whether fresh or frozen, the corn adds sweetness and texture, complementing the spices and the creamy elements of the dish.
• Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese gives the dish an authentic Mexican flavor and adds richness when paired with sour cream.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: These spices are essential to bringing the Mexican street corn flavor into the dish, providing warmth and smokiness.
• Lime: The lime zest and juice add a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich ingredients, brightening up the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

Follow these easy steps to make a flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet that is sure to impress:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
3. Set Aside the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the corn and sauce.

Prepare the Street Corn:

4. Cook the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn kernels. If you’re using fresh corn, it’s best to use the back of a knife to scrape the kernels off the cob before adding them to the pan. Sauté the corn for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to lightly brown and caramelize. This step adds depth of flavor to the corn and mimics the charred flavor from traditional street corn.
5. Add Lime and Seasoning: Once the corn is cooked, add the lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, allowing the lime to infuse the corn with its fresh, zesty flavor.

Assemble the Skillet:

6. Combine with Sour Cream: Add the sour cream to the skillet and stir to coat the corn evenly. This will create a creamy sauce that gives the dish a rich, indulgent texture.
7. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the corn mixture. Spoon some of the creamy corn over the chicken for added flavor.
8. Top with Cotija Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the chicken and corn mixture. Top with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve:

9. Serve & Enjoy: Slice the chicken into strips and serve it over a bed of rice, alongside tortillas, or on its own. Garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and optional toppings like sliced avocado or hot sauce for extra flavor.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

There are several delicious ways to serve your:

• Over Rice: Serve the skillet over fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal that’s hearty and filling.
• In Tacos: Slice the chicken and serve it in soft corn tortillas with extra street corn, avocado, and a drizzle of lime juice for a delicious taco night.
• With a Side Salad: Pair this skillet with a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• With Tortilla Chips: Serve the skillet with crunchy tortilla chips on the side for an extra bite and texture.

Additional Tips for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

Here are a few tips to make your even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to monitor the chicken closely while it cooks to avoid drying it out. It should be tender and juicy when properly cooked.
• Use Fresh Corn When Possible: Fresh corn adds a burst of sweetness and texture to the dish, but frozen corn can also be used as a convenient alternative.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or onions while sautéing the corn to create a veggie-packed skillet.
• Make it Spicy: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn for some extra heat.

Recipe Variations of Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

Here are 10 variations of that you can try:

• Grilled Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet: Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor before combining it with the street corn mixture.
• Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet: Add diced mango and jalapeños to the corn mixture for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Shrimp and Street Corn Skillet: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood version of this dish.
• Vegetarian Mexican Street Corn Skillet: Skip the chicken and make a fully vegetarian version by adding black beans or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skillet: Wrap the chicken breasts in turkey bacon before cooking to add an extra savory flavor.
• Chipotle Chicken Skillet: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor in the chicken and corn mixture.
• Cilantro Lime Rice with Street Corn: Serve the skillet over cilantro lime rice for an even more flavorful dish.
• Cheese Lover’s Skillet: Add more cheese varieties like cheddar or Monterey Jack along with cotija for a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• BBQ Chicken and Street Corn Skillet: Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken for a tangy twist.
• Keto Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet: Skip the corn and use cauliflower rice to make this dish keto-friendly.

Freezing and Storage for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

• Freezing: You can freeze the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet for up to 3 months. Store the chicken and corn mixture in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

Here are some kitchen tools you might find helpful when making this Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet:

• Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking for both the chicken and corn mixture.
• Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and chopping cilantro and lime.
• Citrus Juicer: A citrus juicer makes it easier to extract the juice from the lime without wasting any.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board makes food prep easier and safer.

FAQ Section about Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful version of this dish.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
   The recipe has a mild heat from the chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more spice, you can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and corn mixture ahead of time and reheat before serving.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
5. Can I use canned corn?
   Yes, canned corn works as a substitute for fresh or frozen corn. Just be sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the skillet.

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Conclusion of Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet

The Mexican Street Corn Chicken Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the taste of Mexican street food right into your kitchen. With its juicy chicken, creamy corn, and cheesy, tangy toppings, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this skillet is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!