Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? This ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is the perfect one-pan dish for busy weeknights! Made with lean ground chicken, sweet and creamy Mexican corn, bold spices, and fresh toppings, this recipe delivers a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re serving it in tortillas, over rice, or as a standalone meal, this dish is both versatile and family-friendly. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those who love easy yet flavorful Mexican-inspired meals.
Let’s dive into this hearty and wholesome recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe
This ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a flavor-packed experience that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s why:
Easy & Quick
Who doesn’t love a meal that comes together effortlessly? This recipe is a breeze to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent juggling multiple tasks, this one-pan meal means you don’t have to worry about dirtying up multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a snap.
Healthy & Flavorful Ground Chicken Mexican Corn
Packed with lean ground chicken, this recipe is a great source of protein while being lower in fat compared to traditional beef or pork options. The addition of Mexican corn (elote-style) brings a creamy texture and a burst of sweetness, perfectly balancing the bold spices. You’ll find the chili powder, cumin, and garlic seasonings offer just the right amount of warmth and depth without overwhelming the dish.
On top of that, the dish is nutritious, with fiber-rich black beans and vitamin-packed bell peppers, making it a great choice for those who want to eat well without compromising on flavor.
Versatile Ground Chicken Recipe for Any Meal
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it in many ways to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy it with warm tortillas for tacos, spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice, or simply enjoy it as a standalone bowl. The toppings—fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime—add a zesty, refreshing contrast to the hearty ingredients, making each bite a balanced treat.
Want to take it up a notch? You can also use it as a filling for burritos or even top it with a dollop of guacamole for that extra creamy touch.
Customize to Your Taste with This Mexican Corn Dish
Whether you like your meals mild or with a fiery kick, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Add more chili powder or toss in some jalapeños if you love heat, or keep it mild for a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy.
With endless options for customization and a variety of ways to enjoy it, this ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an easy, delicious choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Your Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe
To make this ground chicken Mexican corn recipe come to life, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Chicken: The Lean Protein for Your Mexican Dish
The star of the show! Ground chicken is a lean, versatile protein that provides a lighter alternative to beef or pork while still offering plenty of flavor. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for a one-pan meal. Plus, it absorbs the spices and flavors from the dish, ensuring each bite is packed with goodness.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote-Style): Creamy & Sweet Flavor
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a key ingredient that adds a unique, creamy sweetness to this dish. The corn is often cooked with a blend of mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime—all of which bring a delightful depth of flavor to the dish. You can use frozen corn or fresh corn on the cob (cut off the kernels) for this recipe, but be sure to season it well to capture that elote-style charm.
Bell Peppers: A Crunchy and Colorful Addition
Add some color and crunch with bell peppers! Red, yellow, or green peppers work great here, offering a mild sweetness and a nice contrast in texture to the tender chicken and corn. The peppers also provide vitamin C and antioxidants, making your meal both nutritious and vibrant.
Black Beans
For a hearty, protein-packed addition, black beans bring a savory depth to this dish. Their slightly earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn and the spice of the seasonings. Black beans also add fiber to your meal, helping you feel full longer. If you’re in a pinch, canned beans work just as well—just be sure to drain and rinse them.
Cotija Cheese
This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty, creamy kick that makes every bite a little more indulgent. You’ll sprinkle it on top at the end for a delicious finish. If you can’t find cotija, you can substitute with feta cheese, which has a similar texture and flavor, though slightly milder.
Lime Juice
A squeeze of lime juice elevates the flavors and balances the richness of the dish. Lime adds a bright, zesty kick that complements the creamy corn and the seasoned chicken. It’s a classic flavor combination in Mexican cuisine that can’t be missed!
Spices & Seasonings: Adding Depth to Your Ground Chicken Mexican Corn
To give this dish its signature Mexican-inspired flavor, you’ll need a few key spices:
- Cumin: Adds warmth and depth with its earthy, slightly citrusy flavor.
- Chili Powder: Provides a mild heat and smoky undertone that ties the dish together.
- Garlic Powder: A savory, aromatic boost that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, ensuring that all the ingredients meld perfectly.
Fresh Cilantro & Lime Juice: Brightness & Freshness
For that fresh, herbaceous finish, don’t forget a sprinkle of cilantro. It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the spices and the richness of the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily swap it out for fresh parsley or omit it entirely.
Olive Oil or Cooking Oil
A little oil to cook the chicken and vegetables in is essential. Olive oil is a great option for its healthy fats and subtle flavor, but you can use any neutral cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, depending on what you have on hand.
These ingredients combine to create a well-rounded dish that is savory, sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy—everything you want in a comforting meal. Plus, they’re easy to find at most grocery stores, so you won’t have to hunt for specialty items to make this tasty recipe.
Now that you know what to gather, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Your Easy Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make the ground chicken Mexican corn recipe from scratch! This easy-to-follow guide ensures that every step is clear and precise, helping you create a flavorful, one-pan dish in no time.
1. Cook the Ground Chicken: Flavorful Base for Mexican Corn
- Heat your skillet: Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil or any neutral cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken to the pan.
- Brown the chicken: Break up the chicken using a wooden spoon or spatula, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat if necessary, especially if using fattier ground chicken.
- Season the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, season it with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure that the seasonings coat the chicken evenly, creating a flavorful base for the dish. Let the chicken cook with the spices for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld.
2. Add Vegetables & Corn: Mixing Sweet Corn with Spices
- Add bell peppers: Chop your bell peppers into small bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. The peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to balance out the savory chicken.
- Stir in the Mexican corn: Now, it’s time to add the Mexican corn (elote-style) to the pan. Whether you’re using frozen corn or fresh kernels, stir them into the chicken and peppers. Let the mixture cook for about 3-5 minutes until the corn is heated through and slightly charred. If you’re using frozen corn, you can cook it directly without thawing it first.
- Add black beans: Drain and rinse a can of black beans and add them to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. The beans bring extra protein and a bit of earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the corn.
3. Simmer & Combine: Let the Flavors Develop
- Let it all simmer: Once all the ingredients are combined, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and for any liquid from the corn or beans to cook off. The result should be a flavorful, thick, and cohesive filling.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add a pinch more salt or chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick. If the dish seems too dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it to the perfect consistency.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Finish with cheese and cilantro: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the chicken mixture while it’s still hot. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a rich and creamy layer of flavor. Next, garnish with a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a squeeze of lime: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top. The tangy lime balances out the richness of the dish and brings all the flavors to life.
- Serve: Now, your dish is ready to serve! You can dish it up on its own or serve it in warm tortillas, over rice, or in a bowl. Feel free to add extra toppings, like sour cream, guacamole, or even a drizzle of Mexican crema for a decadent touch.
Serving Ideas for Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe
Once your ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is cooked and ready to serve, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it! Whether you prefer a light meal or a heartier option, you can get creative with how you serve this dish. For some great variations, check out this delicious take on Mexican corn, or try a different twist with Everyday Recipes’ version. You can also explore a unique recipe at Meat Bites for even more ideas!
Serve with Warm Tortillas for Tacos or Burritos
Serve with warm tortillas for tacos or burritos. Simply spoon the ground chicken Mexican corn mixture into tortillas and top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. For a more filling meal, try adding this to your tacos or burritos with this best Chicken and Cheese Jalousie recipe – flaky, cheesy, and irresistible!
Over Rice for a Filling Bowl
If you prefer a bowl-style meal, spoon the ground chicken and corn mixture over a bed of steamed rice. This adds a great base that absorbs the flavors of the dish while providing extra fiber and carbs. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Add some sliced avocado, a handful of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice on top to brighten up the flavors and add extra texture.
As a Salad or Lettuce Wrap
For a lighter, low-carb option, consider serving the mixture as a salad or using it as a filling for lettuce wraps. Use crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce to wrap the flavorful chicken and corn filling. Top with sour cream, fresh salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor. This is a fresh, crunchy way to enjoy the dish that’s perfect for summer or if you’re looking for something healthier.
Pair with Fresh Salsas and Dips
To add even more flavor and texture to your meal, serve it alongside a variety of salsas or dips. A fresh pico de gallo, made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime, will add a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the chicken and corn. You can also serve it with guacamole for a creamy, rich complement or a spicy salsa verde if you like a bit more heat. These salsas also make excellent dippers for tortilla chips or to spoon over rice or tacos.
Make It Spicier
If you’re a fan of bold heat, don’t hesitate to spice things up! You can add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers directly into the pan during cooking to infuse the dish with extra spice. For those who love a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha on top just before serving.
Make It a Complete Meal with Side Dishes
While this dish is already hearty on its own, you can make it into a full Mexican feast by pairing it with some traditional side dishes. Consider serving alongside Mexican street corn (elote) for an extra burst of flavor, or make a simple side of refried beans or black beans for more protein and fiber. A fresh corn salad with lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese will provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the main dish. Don’t forget to add a side of tortilla chips for some crunch!
Customize for Dietary Preferences
This recipe is incredibly customizable to suit various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free when served in a bowl or lettuce wrap. Just make sure to use corn tortillas if you choose to serve it in tacos or burritos.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re looking to make the dish dairy-free, you can skip the cotija cheese and sour cream. Instead, top it with some dairy-free cheese or avocado slices for that creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Option: If you want a meatless version, replace the ground chicken with tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian crumbles. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for a satisfying alternative.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips for Your Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe
This ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is perfect for meal prep! After cooking, simply divide the mixture into individual servings and store them in airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
For busy weeks or quick meals, this ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is perfect for meal prep and storage. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
Storage
After cooking, be sure to let the dish cool completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. This will ensure it stays fresh and flavorful, and you’ll always have a quick meal ready when you need it.
Freezing
Additionally, if you’d like to save it for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Simply cool it down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Label it with the date, and it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop for convenience.
Meal Prep
Moreover, to make your week even easier, portion out individual servings into containers. This way, you’ll have a quick grab-and-go meal that’s perfect for lunches or dinners. You can serve it with rice, tortillas, or even a salad, depending on your preference. It’s that easy!
By storing and prepping in advance, you’ll always have a delicious, nutritious meal on hand, saving both time and effort throughout the week.