This Easy Blackstone Jalapeno Lime Chicken and Corn is a zesty twist on dinner! Juicy chicken is cooked with sweet corn, fresh jalapenos, and a splash of lime juice for a kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.
I love how quick this meal comes together, perfect for busy nights. Pair it with a side of rice or just dive right in with a fork! It’s a fiesta on your plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add great flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, you can swap them for chicken breasts, but they may be slightly less juicy.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob gives a sweet crunch, but frozen corn works perfectly, too. If you want, canned corn can be used; just drain and rinse it first.
Jalapenos: Adjust spiciness by using fewer jalapenos or opting for bell peppers if spice isn’t your thing. For extra heat, add some red chili flakes!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a warm flavor; if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can work. Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonings, like taco seasoning for a twist!
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Heat your skillet until hot before adding chicken, which helps to sear it quickly.
- Cook it for 4-5 minutes until just starting to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Once added, keep an eye on it and stir well when combining with other ingredients to ensure even cooking.
Always check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption!
Easy Blackstone Jalapeno Lime Chicken and Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn if fresh)
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro leaves, extra lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Skillet:
First, heat your Blackstone or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the olive oil and let it get warm for about 30 seconds.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Next, toss in the diced chicken pieces into the skillet. Season them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to make sure the chicken is well-coated with the spices. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown on the outside.
3. Adding the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the fresh or frozen corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and sliced jalapenos into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together to mix well. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5-6 minutes until the corn is tender, the onion softens, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
4. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is nicely cooked, remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture. Toss all the ingredients well to ensure the flavors blend together beautifully. Feel free to taste and adjust the salt or lime juice to your liking!
5. Serving:
Serve your hot Jalapeno Lime Chicken and Corn right away! Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and extra lime wedges if desired. Enjoy this vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavors!
This recipe provides a wonderful combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that pair wonderfully with the tender chicken and crisp corn, making it a fantastic meal for the whole family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just remember that chicken breasts may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid dryness.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy more heat, consider adding extra sliced jalapenos or some red pepper flakes. You could also try using spicier varieties of peppers, like serranos, for a fiery kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly based on what you add to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!
