Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn
This Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn recipe is a quick and vibrant dish bursting with fresh flavors of zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and sweet corn. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers a light yet satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious lean protein and natural sweetness.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, to taste
Corn
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned drained)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Let marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to infuse fresh, tangy flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, resulting in juicy, tender chicken with a slight crust.
- Prepare the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn kernels and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly caramelized, enhancing sweetness and texture.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the corn. Gently toss to combine. Optionally, add more fresh cilantro and a squeeze of extra lime juice on top before serving to amplify the freshness.
Notes
- Marinate briefly: Even a short 10-minute marinade infuses plenty of flavor without delay.
- Use fresh lime: Fresh lime juice and zest yield a more vibrant taste than bottled alternatives.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Add corn last: Cooking corn separately preserves its sweet, crunchy texture.
- Keep cilantro fresh: Chop cilantro just before serving to maintain color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, quick chicken recipe, chicken and corn, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken recipe, fresh lime chicken, cilantro chicken skillet