This 30-minute Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn recipe is a vibrant, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that’s fresh, zesty, and satisfying. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared with chili powder and olive oil, then tossed with sweet corn, crumbled feta, and loads of fresh cilantro. Finished with lime juice and a touch of butter, it’s a bold dish perfect on its own or served with rice, veggies, or salad. Naturally gluten-free and ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Corn Mix:

• 4 ears fresh corn (husks and silks removed)

• 1 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 lime, halved

• ¼ tsp chili powder (or to taste)

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter (plus more if desired)

Directions

1. Prepare Corn:

   • Boil corn for about 5 minutes. Drain and let cool.

   • Remove kernels with a knife and place in a medium bowl.

   • Add feta cheese, chopped cilantro, juice from half a lime, and chili powder. Mix well.

2. Cook Chicken:

   • Season chicken thighs with chili powder and salt.

   • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium for 2 minutes, add olive oil, and cook chicken for 5 minutes without moving.

   • Flip and cook another 5 minutes on low-medium heat until cooked through.

   • Remove from heat and stir in butter. Squeeze remaining lime juice over the chicken.

3. Assemble:

   • Add half of the corn mixture to the skillet and stir to coat with juices.

   • Taste and adjust with more butter or lime if desired.

   • Top with the remaining corn mixture before serving.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 592 kcal

• Protein: ~35g

• Total Fat: ~38g

  • Saturated Fat: ~12g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: ~14g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: ~4g

• Carbohydrates: ~24g

  • Sugar: ~6g

  • Fiber: ~3g

• Cholesterol: ~140mg

• Sodium: ~500mg

• Potassium: ~650mg

• Calcium: ~200mg

• Iron: ~2mg

• Vitamin C: ~10mg

• Vitamin A: ~500 IU

🔎 Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used (especially the cheese and size of chicken thighs).

A Southwest-Inspired Weeknight Hero

The flavor profile of this dish borrows from classic Mexican and Southwestern cooking, combining ingredients that are pantry staples in many households—lime, cilantro, corn, chili powder, and feta or cotija cheese. When cooked properly, these ingredients come alive with freshness, depth, and complexity that feels much more indulgent than the simple method suggests.

What sets this recipe apart is how everything comes together in one pan. Chicken thighs are seasoned and seared until golden and flavorful, then combined with a tangy, creamy corn medley that includes lime juice, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs. The final toss of butter in the hot skillet brings a luxurious, silky finish to the dish, coating everything in a glossy, rich sauce that complements the bright citrus and salty cheese.

Flavorful and Juicy Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of quick, flavorful dinners. Unlike chicken breasts, they remain tender and juicy even with high-heat cooking. Their richness pairs beautifully with lime juice, which cuts through the fattiness, while the chili powder adds a mild kick and smoky complexity.

The cooking method is simple but effective: searing the thighs without disturbing them allows a crispy, golden-brown crust to form. After flipping, finishing them on low-medium heat ensures that the interior cooks through without drying out. A final touch of butter melts into the skillet, deglazing the flavorful bits and elevating the sauce.

Corn: Sweet, Creamy, and the Perfect Partner

Fresh corn adds a natural sweetness and satisfying crunch that balances the richness of the chicken and butter. Boiling and cutting off the kernels gives the corn a tender-crisp texture that’s far superior to canned alternatives, though frozen corn can also be used in a pinch.

When mixed with feta or cotija, lime, cilantro, and chili powder, the corn takes on an elote-inspired flavor—creamy, tangy, and lightly spicy. This blend works beautifully as both a topping and a side, pulling double duty as both a garnish and part of the main course.

Light, Fresh, and Naturally Gluten-Free

One of the best things about Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn is how naturally it aligns with a healthy, balanced lifestyle. It’s entirely gluten-free, with high-quality protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the chicken, corn, and herbs. The inclusion of healthy fats from olive oil and butter contributes to satiety and flavor, while the feta cheese adds calcium and a satisfying salty finish without being overly heavy.

This dish is also adaptable to lower-carb diets—simply reduce the corn portion or swap it out for cauliflower rice, and you’ve got a keto-friendly version that still delivers all the flavor.

A Perfect Fit for Meal Prep or Leftovers

This recipe is just as convenient as it is delicious. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. The corn mixture can be made in advance and used cold as a side or salad topper, while the chicken can be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave without losing its tenderness.

Leftovers can be reinvented into wraps, tacos, burrito bowls, or even tossed with pasta for a creamy, Southwestern-style meal remix. You can even chop up the chicken and fold everything into quesadillas with shredded cheese for a quick, melty treat.

Ideal Pairings for a Complete Meal

While Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn works beautifully on its own, it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Try one of the following for a complete dinner experience:

• Cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for extra fiber and a mild flavor base

• Mixed greens or arugula salad with avocado and tomatoes for a refreshing contrast

• Roasted sweet potatoes to complement the chili and lime flavors

• Warm tortillas or flatbread for scooping and sopping up the juices

• Black beans or pinto beans seasoned with cumin and garlic for a protein-packed side

A chilled sparkling water or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc adds a refreshing finish to this colorful, bold-flavored meal.

Tips for Success

Use fresh corn when in season. If using frozen, thaw and dry it before mixing to avoid excess moisture.

Sear the chicken without moving it for a proper crust. Resist the urge to flip too soon.

Taste your corn mixture before adding it to the skillet—adjust lime, salt, or cheese as needed to balance sweetness.

Add a splash of chicken broth or lime juice if the skillet becomes too dry while cooking the chicken.

If you love heat, a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño can turn this into a spicier dish.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

It’s fast—ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

It’s flavorful—bright, tangy, creamy, and just the right amount of heat.

It’s fresh—herbs, citrus, and summer corn make every bite feel alive.

It’s balanced—plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs in one skillet.

It’s meal-prep friendly—easy to store, reheat, and repurpose in multiple ways.

It’s family-approved—flavors are familiar yet exciting, appealing to a wide range of eaters.

Conclusion

Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Corn is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or bland. With minimal ingredients, bold flavors, and a quick cooking method, this one-skillet wonder delivers maximum impact in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of friends, it brings the vibrant spirit of summer to your plate—any day of the week.

From the juicy pan-seared chicken to the tangy, creamy corn topping, every element works in harmony to deliver a dish that’s as delicious as it is wholesome. Naturally gluten-free, endlessly versatile, and undeniably satisfying, this is a recipe worth bookmarking and making on repeat.