A vibrant, zesty dish that combines tender chicken with sweet corn kernels, all brightened by fresh cilantro and tangy lime. This crowd-pleasing Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful yet simple.
Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of cilantro, lime, chicken, and sweet corn that creates an irresistible explosion of flavors. This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during late summer when fresh corn is at its peak sweetness. With roots in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, this dish brings together bright, herbaceous notes with the natural sweetness of corn and savory chicken for a meal that satisfies on every level.
What makes this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe truly special is its versatility – enjoy it as a main dish, stuff it into tacos, or serve it cold as a hearty salad addition. The lime adds just enough acidity to balance the richness of the chicken, while the cilantro provides that distinctive fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that elevates the entire dish.
THIS RECIPE:
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients found in most kitchens
- Perfect balance of zesty, savory, and sweet flavors
- Versatile as a main dish or filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 portions |
| Yield | About 4 cups |
This homemade Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe is the epitome of weeknight cooking magic – quick enough for busy evenings yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The combination of tender chicken pieces and sweet corn kernels creates a satisfying texture contrast, while the bright cilantro-lime flavors make every bite pop with freshness. Even better, this dish comes together in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation!
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn
The success of this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe largely depends on the quality and freshness of your ingredients. Since we’re working with relatively few components, each one should shine. Fresh cilantro and juicy limes are non-negotiable elements that bring the signature brightness to this dish.
For the Chicken and Corn:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (from approximately 4 ears of corn)
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (from approximately 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
For Serving (Optional):
- Lime wedges
- Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs | Choose organic or free-range for best flavor; thighs can be substituted for moister results |
| Corn | 3 cups fresh kernels | Select ears with bright green husks and golden silk; in winter, frozen corn works well too |
| Cilantro | ½ cup chopped leaves | Look for vibrant green bunches without wilting; stems can be finely chopped and used too |
| Limes | 2-3 medium fruits | Choose heavy limes with thin, smooth skin for maximum juice; roll on counter before squeezing |
| Aromatics | 1 red onion, 3 garlic cloves | Select firm onions and plump garlic bulbs; freshness matters for these foundation flavors |
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn
Creating this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn dish is a straightforward process that focuses on building flavors layer by layer while ensuring the chicken remains tender and the corn maintains its sweet crunch. The key is to avoid overcooking either component while allowing the cilantro-lime flavors to permeate throughout.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the cubed chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a good sear and locks in moisture.
Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides but not quite cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet, stir to combine with the aromatics, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the corn begins to char slightly but remains crisp-tender.
Create the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, and chili powder (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Add the butter and stir until melted and sauce is slightly thickened.
Add fresh cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, reserving some for garnish if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
Pro tip: For the most vibrant cilantro flavor, add most of it off the heat at the very end of cooking.
Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn
Elevate your homemade Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn with these expert tips that make all the difference between a good recipe and a great one:
• Cut chicken uniformly: Equal-sized pieces ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Don’t skimp on lime zest: The oils in the zest contain intense flavor compounds that juice alone doesn’t provide.
• Season in layers: Add salt at each stage of cooking rather than just at the beginning or end.
• Char the corn slightly: A little caramelization adds wonderful depth of flavor to contrast with the bright lime.
| Technique | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cutting corn kernels | Stand corn vertically in a wide bowl and cut downward to catch all kernels and juice |
| Testing chicken doneness | Use an instant-read thermometer to reach 165°F without overcooking |
| Balancing flavors | If too acidic, add a touch more honey; if too sweet, add more lime juice |
| Managing heat level | Keep jalapeño seeds for more heat or substitute with milder poblano for less spice |
The secret to truly exceptional Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn lies in respecting each ingredient’s cooking time. Corn needs just enough heat to bring out its sweetness while maintaining texture, while chicken requires careful attention to prevent drying out. For maximum flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a tablespoon each of lime juice and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking – this simple step adds remarkable depth to the final dish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe works beautifully for meal prep and can be partially or completely prepared in advance:
You can prepare the individual components 1-2 days ahead of serving:
- Cube the chicken, store in an airtight container with a tablespoon of lime juice, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Cut corn kernels off the cobs and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Chop onions, mince garlic, and prepare jalapeños, storing each separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Mix the dry spices (cumin and chili powder) and store at room temperature.
For a complete make-ahead meal, prepare the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro just before serving to revive the bright flavors.
Pro tip: If making ahead, consider slightly undercooking the corn so it maintains its texture when reheated.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage ensures your Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn stays delicious for additional meals:
Allow any leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn to cool completely before transferring to airtight glass containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will remain flavorful and food-safe for 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and improve overnight, making this dish excellent for next-day lunches.
When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use medium power (70%) and stir halfway through to ensure even warming without overcooking the chicken.
For food safety, always ensure leftovers reach an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating, and never reheat leftovers more than once.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn
While fresh is best for this recipe, you can freeze Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn for future meals:
Cool the cooked dish completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. For best results, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the food before sealing the container to minimize freezer burn. Label with the date and contents.
Frozen Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Beyond that, it remains safe to eat but the textures may change, particularly the corn kernels.
To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and allow 24 hours for complete thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice and a handful of chopped cilantro after reheating to refresh the flavors, as these bright notes diminish after freezing.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn from a simple dish to a complete meal with these serving ideas:
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of crisp lettuce. The bright flavors also complement creamy sides like avocado slices or guacamole.
For presentation, serve the Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn in a wide, shallow bowl garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija or feta cheese. A few slices of fresh jalapeño add both color and heat for those who enjoy it.
Beverage pairings that complement this dish include:
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Mexican lager with a lime wedge
- Sparkling water with cucumber and lime
- Classic margaritas or mojitos for festive occasions
Serve this dish warm rather than piping hot to allow the flavors to fully develop and shine through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen corn for this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe?
Yes, frozen corn works well as a substitute for fresh, especially outside of corn season. There’s no need to thaw it first – add the frozen kernels directly to the skillet and increase the cooking time by about 2 minutes. The flavor won’t be quite as sweet as peak-season fresh corn, but it’s still delicious.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like the taste?
For those who experience the “soapy” taste of cilantro due to genetic factors, fresh flat-leaf parsley makes the best substitute. While the flavor profile will change, it still provides bright, herbaceous notes. You might also add a small amount of fresh basil or mint for complexity.
How can I make this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe spicier?
To increase the heat level, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño when dicing it. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix, or finish the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce. For significant heat without changing the flavor profile too much, add a finely diced serrano pepper.
Can I grill this instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully to the grill. Marinate chicken pieces in lime juice, olive oil, and spices, then thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through. Grill corn on the cob until lightly charred, then cut off kernels and combine with the grilled chicken and remaining sauce ingredients in a bowl. The smoky flavor from grilling adds a wonderful dimension to this dish.
How can I make this Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The butter adds richness to the sauce, but olive oil with perhaps a small increase in honey will create a similarly satisfying mouthfeel and flavor balance.