Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn: A Flavor-Packed Summer Favorite

Something about summer makes me crave bold, fresh flavors—and nothing delivers quite like Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn. Combining juicy chicken, zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and sweet golden corn feels like a backyard barbecue in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this dish is easy, healthy, and bursting with color and flavor.

I still remember the first time I made Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn—it was a hot July afternoon, and I wanted something fast but exciting. I threw together a quick marinade, tossed in some fresh corn, and grilled everything to smoky perfection. The result was a crowd-pleaser that’s since become a staple in my kitchen.

Let’s explore everything you need to know to make this delicious dish at home, from ingredients and cooking methods to meal prep tips and variations.

What Is Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn?

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn is a vibrant dish featuring marinated chicken—usually grilled or pan-seared—paired with charred or sautéed corn and finished with a burst of lime and fresh cilantro. It’s light, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.

This dish draws on popular flavor combinations found in Mexican and Southwestern cuisines, where citrus, herbs, and fresh produce play a starring role. In the U.S., it has become especially popular during warmer months thanks to its bright, refreshing taste and quick preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn, with a few optional additions to boost flavor and texture.

Main Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh corn kernels (from the cob is best, but canned or frozen work too)
• Lime juice and zest for brightness
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder

Optional Additions:

• Red onion, finely chopped
• Avocado, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled

You can buy corn fresh at most local grocery stores or opt for high-quality frozen corn if you’re cooking it out of season.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this flavorful meal.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine lime juice, zest, chopped cilantro, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

You can use a grill, stovetop skillet, or cast iron pan (like this one). Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked—internal temperature should reach 165°F.

3. Prepare the Corn

Grill corn on the cob and slice off the kernels, or sauté canned/frozen kernels in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of salt until lightly browned.

4. Assemble the Dish

Slice the cooked chicken and toss with the corn. Top with additional cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and any optional toppings you like—avocado, tomatoes, and cheese are great choices.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

This dish is easy to customize. Try some of these variations to make it your own:

Add Beans for Extra Protein

• Mix in black beans or pinto beans for a heartier version.

Turn Up the Heat

• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Go Creamy

• Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to make a creamy lime sauce.

Swap the Herbs

• If you do not like cilantro, use fresh parsley or basil instead.

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Bowl

• Spoon over cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

In Tacos

• Add the mixture to soft corn tortillas and top with salsa and avocado.

With Sides

• Serve alongside grilled vegetables, tortilla chips, or a light salad.

For more inspiration, check out this recipe for Grilled Chicken Tacos on My Mama Recipes.

Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is how meal-prep-friendly it is.

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Cook in batches and store components separately.
• Keep fresh toppings like avocado or tomatoes in airtight containers until ready to serve.

Prepping the corn and chicken ahead of time makes weeknight dinners even faster.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. With this recipe, you can enjoy the same fresh, bold flavor even days later. Let’s break down how to store, freeze, and reheat your Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn for the best results.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the chicken and corn cool completely. This prevents moisture from building up in the containers, which can lead to soggy food or even spoilage.

• Chicken: Slice or shred it, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Corn mixture: Store the corn separately in another airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
• Toppings: Keep toppings like avocado, tomatoes, or cheese in small containers and add them right before serving.

Label your containers with the date. This helps you track how long they’ve been in the fridge.

Can You Freeze This Dish?

Yes, but freeze only the chicken. Freezing corn or fresh toppings like avocado isn’t a great idea. They lose their texture once they thaw.

• Place the cooked chicken (sliced or whole) in a freezer-safe bag or container to freeze. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave using a low setting.

Avoid freezing if you’ve already added cheese or creamy toppings. These ingredients don’t reheat well and can change the dish’s texture.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat, reheating it will keep the chicken juicy and the corn flavorful.

For Chicken:

• Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until warm.
• Skillet: Add olive oil to a skillet and warm over medium heat. Cook the chicken slices until heated through.
• Oven: Wrap the chicken in foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

For Corn:

• Reheat in a small skillet with a splash of oil. Stir frequently for 3–4 minutes until hot.

Don’t Forget to Refresh the Dish:

• Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving. This brightens the flavor instantly.
• Top with avocado, tomato, or cheese for a fresh touch.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Here’s how to keep your leftovers tasting fresh:

To reheat, use the microwave for 1–2 minutes or gently warm in a skillet with oil to keep the texture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on using chicken breast and no cheese):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is naturally gluten-free and packed with lean protein and fiber. Cilantro and lime also offer antioxidants and vitamin C.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:

• Over-marinating the chicken can cause too much acid to break down the meat.
• Overcooking the corn makes it chewy and dull.
• Using bottled lime juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor of the real thing.
• Not resting the chicken after cooking can lead to dry meat.

Let your cooked chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing for juicier bites.

More Flavorful Dishes from My Mama’s Recipes

Explore more dishes on My Mama Recipes that pair well with summer ingredients, like Mexican Street Corn Salad or Zesty Lime Chicken Skewers.

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn: A Must-Try for Summer

Whether you’re planning a cookout or just want something quick and delicious for dinner, Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn is always a good idea. It’s fresh, zesty, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight and flavorful enough for guests. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple on your summer menu.

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn: A Flavor-Packed Summer Favorite

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• Author: Manar Annan
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

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Description

A fresh and flavorful dish featuring marinated cilantro lime chicken paired with sautéed or grilled corn. It’s bright, zesty, and perfect for summer meals, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or canned/frozen, drained)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped red onion, 1 avocado (diced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), ¼ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine lime juice, zest, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.

2. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before slicing.

3. For the corn, grill on the cob and slice kernels off, or sauté kernels in olive oil until lightly browned.

4. Combine sliced chicken with corn and any optional ingredients. Serve with extra lime juice and cilantro on top.

Notes

Don’t over-marinate the chicken, or the acid from the lime juice may break down the texture too much.

Fresh lime juice and cilantro provide the best flavor.

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze cooked chicken for later use.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: American / Southwestern

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, grilled chicken recipes, corn side dish, summer dinner ideas, easy chicken meals, healthy chicken recipes, meal prep recipes