Lively Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn Recipe to Brighten Dinner

Summers sizzle with tantalizing flavors when you discover this zesty cilantro-lime chicken and corn recipe that brings vibrant southwestern flair to your dinner table.

Fresh herbs and bright citrus notes dance across succulent chicken breasts, creating an irresistible melody of taste.

Corn kernels add sweet crunch to the dish, complementing the herb-infused protein perfectly.

Each bite promises a burst of fresh, bold flavors that transport you to sun-drenched southwestern landscapes.

The marinade blends lime juice, cilantro, and subtle spices into a remarkable sauce that elevates simple ingredients.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as hungry diners come running to the table.

How to Cook Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn for Summer Nights

• Whip Up the Flavor Bomb

Create a zesty marinade by mixing olive oil, lime juice and zest, crushed garlic, ground cumin, smoky paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

• Marinate and Infuse

Submerge chicken in the marinade, letting it soak up all the delicious flavors for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pull out the chicken, let excess marinade drip off, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and perfectly done. Let it rest briefly on a plate.

• Char the Corn

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in corn and cook for 2-3 minutes until it gets those irresistible charred edges. Quickly add red onion and jalapeño for an extra kick.

• Bring It All Together

Slice the chicken into beautiful strips, nestle it back into the skillet with the corn, and shower the dish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of bright flavor.

Seasoning Tips for That Zesty, Balanced Flavor

• Let chicken soak in the citrusy marinade overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that penetrates every bite.
• Replace skillet cooking with outdoor grilling for smoky char marks and enhanced summer-style taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, ensuring plant-based eaters can enjoy the same zesty flavor profile.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds to manage heat intensity, making the recipe friendly for mild and bold palate preferences.
• Double the recipe and store extra marinated chicken in freezer bags for future quick weeknight dinners, saving time and preserving flavors.

Serve Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn in Bowls or Tacos

• Fresh Fiesta Plate: Serve this zesty chicken over a bed of fluffy Mexican rice, creating a colorful and satisfying meal that bursts with southwestern flavors.
• Taco Night Twist: Shred the chicken and use it as a delicious filling for soft corn tortillas, topped with extra cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
• Summer Salad Sensation: Slice the chicken and corn and toss over mixed greens, adding sliced avocado and a light citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-packed lunch option.
• Grain Bowl Goodness: Layer the chicken and charred corn over quinoa or brown rice, garnish with extra herbs, and drizzle with a quick yogurt-lime sauce for a nutritious and filling dinner.

Store Chicken and Corn Without Losing the Juiciness

• Slice chicken and corn mixture into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks.
• Store leftover chicken and corn in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients safe.
• Wrap cooled chicken in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient meals up to 2 months later. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken and corn in skillet over medium heat or microwave at 30-second intervals, adding a splash of lime juice to revive zesty flavors and prevent dryness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn

• Olive Oil: Carrier of flavors and helps chicken stay juicy.
• Lime Juice and Zest: Bright, tangy accent that tenderizes chicken.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds deep, earthy warmth.
• Cumin: Smoky spice that brings authentic southwestern depth.
• Paprika: Adds rich color and subtle sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor profile.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully.

• Corn: Sweet, charred kernel that adds texture and summer freshness.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp element providing vibrant color contrast.
• Jalapeño: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbal top note to dish.

Tools That Help Sear or Grill Cilantro-Lime Chicken Fast

• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and corn evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise cutting of chicken and herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring olive oil and lime juice.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.
• Plate: Used for resting cooked chicken and serving.

Zesty Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro-lime chicken and corn brings Mexican street flavors straight to kitchen tables. Juicy grilled chicken mingles with sweet corn, creating a perfect summer meal that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 cups (300 g) corn, fresh off the cob, canned, or frozen
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 limes, juice and zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) cumin
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup (40 g) red onion or green onion, diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lime juice and zest, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing container to create a vibrant, zesty coating.
2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken in the prepared marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Protein Searing: Heat skillet to medium-high and cook marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and completely cooked, ensuring a crisp exterior and juicy interior.
4. Vegetable Infusion: In the same skillet, quickly char corn until slightly caramelized, then introduce red onion and jalapeño for an additional minute of intense flavor melding.
5. Final Assembly: Slice chicken and reunite with the roasted corn mixture, garnishing generously with fresh chopped cilantro to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and provide a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but aim for 4 hours to develop deeper flavor complexity and ensure tender, juicy meat.
• Cook chicken in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity or remove seeds to control spiciness, making the dish adaptable for different heat tolerances.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg