Name: Creamy Chicken and Corn Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/4 pounds chicken cutlets or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup diced white onion; 2 cups fresh corn or defrosted frozen corn; 4 oz can diced green chiles; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 cup whole milk, room temperature; 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth; Crumbled cotija cheese

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There’s something downright irresistible about a skillet brimming with Creamy Chicken and Corn. This comforting dish brings together juicy spice-rubbed chicken, pops of sweet corn, and a silky, southwest-inspired sauce that wraps everything in richness and flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that highlights the color and warmth of southwest cooking in under 40 minutes – and it just happens to use ingredients you might already have on hand.

Creamy Chicken and Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients create the magic behind Creamy Chicken and Corn. Each item plays its part: the chicken delivers succulence, the corn adds sweetness, and the spices and cheeses build that unforgettable depth. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for best results:

Chicken Cutlets or Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slicing the chicken ensures quick, even cooking and a juicy bite every time.
Olive Oil: For a golden sear on the chicken and a silky base for sautéing your veggies.
Chili Powder: Gives the dish a smoky, vibrant kick without overwhelming heat.
Ground Cumin: Adds an earthy, savory backbone that makes the flavors pop.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the sauce.
Garlic Powder: Gives depth and that savory note with no fuss of chopping.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at each step – taste as you go!
White Onion (diced): Sweet and aromatic, forms the flavor base for the sauce.
Fresh or Frozen Corn: Bursts of sweetness and beautiful yellow color, use what’s seasonal if you can.
Canned Diced Green Chiles: A mild, tangy warmth for authentic Southwest flair.
Chopped Cilantro: For brightness and a fresh herbal note – add extra for garnish!
Cream Cheese (room temperature): The secret to a lusciously creamy sauce, no heavy cream required.
Whole Milk (room temperature): Keeps the sauce smooth; using it at room temp prevents curdling.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to round out the sauce and keeps things light.
Crumbled Cotija Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, tangy finish. Feta works in a pinch!

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Corn

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by stirring together your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Generously season your chicken cutlets with half of this fragrant mix, plus some salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, searing for 4–5 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is cooked through and juicy (another 4–5 minutes). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

If needed, drizzle a bit more olive oil into the skillet. Toss in the diced onion, corn, remaining spice mixture, salt, pepper, green chiles, and chopped cilantro. Sauté everything together for around 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is tender and the whole pan smells flavor-packed and inviting. The corn should be a little caramelized around the edges – that’s flavor!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium, then add the room temperature cream cheese. Stir it until it melts right into the vegetables, forming the start of your dreamy sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to create a velvety consistency. Let it simmer gently so the sauce thickens just slightly and becomes rich and bubbly.

Step 4: Return the Chicken and Finish

Nestle the seared chicken (plus any juices!) back into the skillet with the corn and creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a final minute or two, just until the chicken is heated through and perfectly coated. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and more cilantro if you’re feeling generous – now you’ve got Creamy Chicken and Corn at its most irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Corn

Garnishes

Bringing this skillet to the table is already a showstopper, but a final flourish goes a long way. Toss on a generous handful of crumbled cotija cheese for a salty-tangy finish, and shower everything with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of green freshness. If you like a little heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes make the perfect spicy accent.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken and Corn is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides. For a real comfort meal, serve it over fluffy white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even scoop onto warm tortillas for a southwest-inspired wrap. A crisp green salad or lime-dressed slaw on the side adds a welcome contrast and keeps things feeling light.

Creative Ways to Present

Let’s have fun with it! For casual gatherings, spoon the chicken and corn mixture into mini tortillas for crowd-pleasing tacos. Try layering everything over tortilla chips for a decadent skillet nacho. Or, serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, inviting centerpiece – everyone will want to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra Creamy Chicken and Corn to cool down before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors magically meld together even more overnight! If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is the way to go.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to two months. Just remember that the sauce may separate a bit on thawing (because of the cream cheese), but it comes back together beautifully once reheated and stirred.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Creamy Chicken and Corn gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions – stir partway through for even heating. Garnish fresh before serving to bring back all the goodness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Simply season as directed and warm the chicken in the creamy corn sauce rather than searing it. It’s a fantastic shortcut for busy nights and still delivers that irresistible Creamy Chicken and Corn flavor.

Is there a good substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija, look for feta or queso fresco. Both add a salty-tangy bite that mimics the finishing touch cotija provides in Creamy Chicken and Corn.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Substitute cubed tofu or sautéed mushrooms for the chicken and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The creamy, spiced corn mixture is satisfying enough to shine all on its own.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Corn dairy-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite plant-based cream cheese, a splash of non-dairy milk (unsweetened works best), and leave off the cotija or go with a dairy-free cheese alternative for garnish. The sauce will still be luscious and flavorful.

What if I only have canned corn?

No problem – just drain canned corn well and add it in as you would with the fresh or frozen. You might want to let it brown just a bit longer to concentrate the flavor, but the dish will still be thoroughly delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much joy in cooking something both simple and spectacular, and that’s exactly what you get with Creamy Chicken and Corn. I hope you give it a place at your table soon – it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!