🌽🍗 Zesty Mexican Corn & Chicken
Zesty Mexican Corn & Chicken is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together juicy seasoned chicken, sweet corn, and bold Mexican-inspired spices in one easy, satisfying meal. It is fresh, colorful, and comforting at the same time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. The combination of smoky spices, tender chicken, and bursts of sweet corn creates a balanced dish that feels exciting without being complicated.
Ingredients
500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste, juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices.
Preparing the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Corn and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the corn kernels and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing them to heat through and lightly caramelize for extra flavor.
Combining Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the corn mixture. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors blend. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and stir well.
Serving
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot on its own, over rice, or inside tortillas for an easy taco-style meal. Add optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra richness.
Tips
Adjust spice level by adding chili flakes or extra chili powder. Use grilled chicken for a smoky variation. Fresh corn adds the best sweetness, but canned or frozen work well too.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
