A vibrant, quick skillet dish featuring pan-seared chicken thighs in a zesty lime-corn sauce with cotija cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or casual meals with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Season the cubed chicken thighs evenly with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, tossing until every piece is fully coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, arrange the chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the juices run clear. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
While the hot skillet rests, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl, whisking vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and set aside.
Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the edges blister and turn lightly golden.
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low, fold in the prepared yogurt mixture, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to coat evenly with the sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes. Fold in cotija cheese and cilantro, then remove from heat.
Serve immediately with warm tortillas or rice, garnished with lime wedges.
Frozen corn kernels can be used directly from the freezer (no need to thaw)
Cotija cheese can be substituted with crumbled feta
Add a drizzle of extra lime juice just before serving for brightness
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days
Find it online: https://viralchickenrecipes.com/street-corn-chicken/