Skillet Chicken with Creamed Corn: 5 Reasons to Love It

Skillet chicken with creamed corn transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. This weeknight winner features tender strips of seasoned chicken nestled in a rich, slightly sweet corn sauce that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome.

Perfect for busy evenings when you need something delicious without complicated techniques, this one-pan meal delivers impressive results with minimal effort. The creamy corn sauce creates an irresistible blanket for the chicken that practically begs to be spooned over rice or quinoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creates a complete, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes with just one skillet
• Combines familiar ingredients in a fresh, exciting way that appeals to both adults and children
• Offers a naturally creamy sauce without heavy cream that still feels indulgent and comforting

I developed this recipe shortly after returning from a fascinating trip to Iowa where I toured corn farms and learned about sustainable farming practices firsthand.

The farmers’ pride in their crops inspired me to showcase corn in a simple yet memorable dinner dish. My normally picky nephew cleaned his plate and asked for seconds the first time I made it, confirming that sometimes the simplest recipes make the biggest impression.

Key Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): Provide lean protein that cooks quickly when sliced into strips
• Canned creamed corn (15 ounces): Creates the foundation for the sauce with its naturally sweet, silky texture
• Whole kernel corn (1 cup): Adds textural contrast and intensifies the corn flavor throughout the dish
• Chicken broth (½ cup): Thins the sauce to perfect consistency while adding savory depth
• Green onions (¼ cup sliced): Contribute mild onion flavor and bright color as both ingredient and garnish

Preparation Process

Chicken Preparation Season chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika.

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and flavor development.

Allow chicken to sit with seasonings for a few minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Searing Technique Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Add chicken strips in a single layer without crowding, working in batches if necessary.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a clean plate.

Sauce Development Reduce heat to medium and add a touch more oil if the pan seems dry.

Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits.

Corn Integration Add creamed corn and whole kernel corn to the simmering broth, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the chicken will add more flavor when returned.

Final Assembly Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the corn sauce.

Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes until chicken is warmed through and flavors meld.

Sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro just before serving for bright contrast.

You Must Know

• Slicing chicken into uniform strips ensures they cook evenly and remain tender
• The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so keep it slightly thinner than your desired final consistency
• For the best flavor, don’t skip the final simmer with the chicken returned to the sauce

I particularly treasure how versatile this recipe has proven in my kitchen. My grandmother always said, “A good recipe is one you can make your own,” and this dish certainly fits that description.

When fresh corn is abundant in summer, I love cutting kernels straight from the cob to add alongside the creamed corn. In winter, frozen corn works perfectly and reminds us of sunnier days. The first time my husband tried this dish, he immediately suggested adding bacon next time—a brilliant idea that has since become a frequent variation in our home.

Serving Ideas

This adaptable dish pairs beautifully with various sides to create complete, satisfying meals.

Serve over steamed brown rice or quinoa to soak up every last drop of the delicious corn sauce.

Add a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing for fresh contrast to the creamy main dish.

For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent base that complements the flavors perfectly.

Consider crusty bread for dipping into the sauce when you want something a bit more indulgent.

Creative Variations

Customize this basic recipe with simple adjustments that create entirely new flavor experiences.

Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky element that pairs beautifully with the sweet corn.

Incorporate sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for additional vegetables and color.

Wilt in fresh spinach during the final simmer for added nutrition and vibrant green throughout.

Try switching the protein to shrimp for an equally delicious but different weeknight option.

Storage Solutions

Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container where they maintain excellent quality for up to five days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick lunches that taste almost as good as when freshly made.

For larger portions, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.

This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy corn sauce, which may separate when thawed.

For meal prep, slice chicken ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook for faster assembly.

Chef Techniques

• For extra flavor, use the same skillet for the entire recipe to build layers of taste
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning and cooking for better browning and texture
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional chicken broth one tablespoon at a time

My journey with this skillet chicken and creamed corn began as an homage to hardworking farmers but quickly became a staple in our regular meal rotation. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that celebrates an ingredient as humble yet versatile as corn.

What I treasure most about this recipe is how it brings together comfort and convenience without sacrificing flavor. On busy weeknights when time and energy are in short supply, this dish delivers a homemade meal that feels thoughtful and nurturing despite its simplicity.

The sweet creaminess of the corn sauce transforms ordinary chicken into something special, proving that with the right technique and quality ingredients, even the quickest meals can create meaningful moments around the table. In our home, this has become more than just dinner—it’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.