Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this street corn chicken skillet combines tender chicken, charred corn, and a rich, tangy sauce for the ultimate one-pan meal. Juicy chicken pieces are seasoned and seared until golden, then mixed with sweet corn, smoky spices, and a creamy blend of mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.
The sauce hugs every bite of chicken and corn, creating a creamy, tangy finish with just the right amount of spice. Cotija cheese melts into the mixture, giving it a salty, rich depth, while lime juice and fresh cilantro brighten up the flavors. Serve it as a main dish or pair it with warm tortillas, rice, or chips for a complete meal that’s just as satisfying as restaurant-style street corn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This street corn chicken skillet is creamy, smoky, and loaded with flavor. It combines seasoned chicken, charred corn, and a luscious sauce in one pan for an easy, filling meal.
You can make it as mild or spicy as you like by adjusting the chili powder or adding jalapeños. Swap cotija for feta if needed, or add black beans to make it heartier. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day spreads.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Skillet Sauce:
- 3 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the spices coat evenly. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden and cooks through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
2. Char the Corn
In the same skillet, add the corn and keep the heat on medium-high. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring lightly, until it gets a nice char. This step adds a smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to balance the creamy sauce later.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy, making sure everything blends well. The lime brightens the flavor while the cotija adds a salty, tangy touch. Keep the sauce warm but avoid letting it boil.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the sauce and corn until evenly coated. Stir for a minute or two to bring all the flavors together and make sure everything heats through nicely.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top the dish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you prefer a little spice. Serve hot straight from the skillet with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Street Corn Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Skillet Sauce:
- 3 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- ½ cup cotija cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño sliced (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Season chicken and sear until golden.
- Char corn in the same skillet.
- Mix in mayo, lime juice, and cotija for the sauce.
- Toss chicken back in and coat well.
- Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or crema.
- Make it spicier: Add cayenne, chipotle powder, or more jalapeños.
- Cheese swap: Use feta or Parmesan if cotija isn’t available.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet with warm tortillas, Spanish rice, black beans, or tortilla chips for scooping. Pair with a cold margarita, lime sparkling water, or horchata to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This street corn chicken skillet is creamy, smoky, and absolutely packed with flavor. It comes together quickly in one pan, making it perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular dinner favorite.
