Chicken and Charred Corn Skillet with Lime Crema
Succulent bites of chicken mingle with smoky charred corn in a vibrant skillet, topped with a tangy, creamy drizzle of lime crema.
Total: 35 minPrep: 15 minCook: 20 minServes 4Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Optional: crumbled cotija cheese for garnish
Steps
- 1 Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2 In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Season chicken with the spice mix.
- 3 Add olive oil to the skillet, then sear chicken until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- 4 In the same skillet, add corn and cook until charred, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5 Add red onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 4 minutes.
- 6 Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 7 While veggies cook, prepare the lime crema by whisking together lime zest, lime juice, and sour cream. Season with salt to taste.
- 8 Return chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with vegetables.
- 9 Serve skillet mixture topped with lime crema and chopped cilantro. Garnish with cotija cheese if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet
Variations
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Add diced tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
Substitutions
- If fresh corn isn't available, use frozen corn, thawed.
- Use Greek yogurt as a lower-fat substitute for sour cream.
Pairings
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Mexican lager.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh jalapeños for heat lovers.
Nutrition
Calories:
420 kcal
Fat:
22g fat
Carbs:
20g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
450mg sodium
Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, use a cast iron skillet.
- Grill the corn first for an even deeper charred flavor.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm tortillas and a side of avocado salsa.
- Pairs well with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to the point of serving and reheat gently before topping with crema.