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Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn

Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn
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Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn is a fresh, vibrant dish combining juicy chicken with the sweet crunch of corn, brightened by zesty lime and fragrant cilantro. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this easy and flavorful recipe offers a balanced, nutritious meal with a burst of citrusy freshness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade

  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Extra chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This vibrant marinade will infuse the chicken and corn with bright, zesty flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  4. Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add corn kernels and a bit of the leftover marinade. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  5. Combine and Serve: Slice the chicken and toss it together with the warm corn in the skillet. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before plating.

Notes

  • Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful the chicken becomes.
  • Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without drying out.
  • Fresh Corn is Best: When in season, fresh corn makes a noticeable flavor difference compared to frozen.
  • Rest the Chicken: Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  • Zest First: Always zest your limes before juicing to avoid losing any zest during prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken and corn, fresh chicken recipes, quick chicken dinner, gluten free chicken, easy weeknight meals

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-and-corn/