Introduction
If youโre looking for a bright, fresh, and flavorful chicken dish, this Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn is the perfect recipe! Infused with the tangy zest of lime, aromatic cilantro, and the natural sweetness of corn, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop, this healthy and delicious meal will quickly become a family favorite.
This comprehensive guide will take you through step-by-step instructions, ingredient choices, pro tips, and FAQs to ensure you make the best Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn every time. Letโs dive in!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
โ Bursting with flavor โ The combination of lime, cilantro, and seasonings creates an unforgettable taste.
โ Easy and quick to prepare โ Ready in under 30 minutes!
โ Healthy and nutritious โ Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
โ Versatile cooking methods โ Grill it, bake it, or cook it on the stovetop.
โ Perfect for meal prep โ Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Corn Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ยฝ cup diced red bell pepper (optional for color and crunch)
- ยฝ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chopped cilantro and stir to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grilling Method:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400ยฐF / 200ยฐC).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear each side for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a plate and let it rest.
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Mixture
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the corn, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and red bell pepper.
- If desired, sprinkle with Cotija or feta cheese.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Slice the grilled or cooked chicken into strips.
- Serve over a bed of the seasoned corn mixture.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Enjoy with rice, quinoa, or tortillas for a complete meal!
Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn
โ Marinate longer for deeper flavor โ While 30 minutes works, 2 hours gives even better results.
โ Use fresh ingredients โ Fresh lime juice and cilantro enhance the dishโs vibrant flavors.
โ Donโt overcook the chicken โ Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC) but stays juicy.
โ Char the corn for extra smokiness โ Slightly blackened corn adds amazing depth to the flavor.
โ Pair with avocado or guacamole โ The creaminess balances out the tangy lime and spices.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve
- Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or tortillas for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with a fresh salad or avocado slices for added freshness.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy finish.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Marinated (uncooked) chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great and add more juiciness to the dish.
2. What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you donโt like cilantro, substitute with parsley or basil.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.
4. What side dishes go well with this meal?
This dish pairs well with black beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.
5. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeรฑos to the marinade for more heat.
Conclusion
This Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn is a vibrant, easy-to-make meal thatโs packed with zesty, smoky, and savory flavors. Whether youโre cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is healthy, satisfying, and full of fresh ingredients. Try this recipe today and let the flavors of lime, cilantro, and charred corn brighten up your plate! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฟ๐ฝ
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn โ A Zesty and Flavorful Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Try this Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn for a zesty, fresh, and flavorful meal. Easy, healthy, and perfect for any occasion! ๐ฝ๐
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Corn Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ยฝ cup diced red bell pepper (optional for color and crunch)
- ยฝ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chopped cilantro and stir to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grilling Method:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400ยฐF / 200ยฐC).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear each side for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a plate and let it rest.
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Mixture
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the corn, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and red bell pepper.
- If desired, sprinkle with Cotija or feta cheese.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Slice the grilled or cooked chicken into strips.
- Serve over a bed of the seasoned corn mixture.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Enjoy with rice, quinoa, or tortillas for a complete meal!
Notes
โ Marinate longer for deeper flavor โ While 30 minutes works, 2 hours gives even better results.
โ Use fresh ingredients โ Fresh lime juice and cilantro enhance the dishโs vibrant flavors.
โ Donโt overcook the chicken โ Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC) but stays juicy.
โ Char the corn for extra smokiness โ Slightly blackened corn adds amazing depth to the flavor.
โ Pair with avocado or guacamole โ The creaminess balances out the tangy lime and spices.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes