Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers

Save this recipe on:

There’s something about smoky, zesty chicken paired with sweet corn and vibrant bell peppers that just hits the spot. I’ve made this dish countless times when I want something bold, colorful, and loaded with flavor—but still wholesome enough to feel good about. The chipotle adds a gentle heat, the lime brightens everything up, and that creamy drizzle of sauce at the end? Total game-changer.

I love this recipe because it’s just so reliable. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and never fails to impress—whether I’m cooking for myself on a weeknight or serving a crowd. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent thanks to its depth of flavor but is actually quite balanced and nourishing. It’s a little bit smoky, a little bit tangy, and just the right amount of creamy.

---

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers

• Flavor-packed with smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and creamy cilantro-lime sauce.
• Quick to make, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile—serve in bowls, wraps, or tacos.
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free.
• Colorful and vibrant, making every bite as exciting as the last.

---

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to. They stay juicy, soak up the marinade beautifully, and develop a perfect char when seared or grilled. But if you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast works just as well—just be mindful not to overcook it, as it tends to dry out faster. You can even cube it like in the photo for faster cooking and better seasoning coverage.

If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and tossing it in the chipotle lime marinade before a quick sauté can be a lifesaver. It won’t have the same charred texture but still delivers great flavor.

---

Options for Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the smoky lime combo. Tofu or tempeh are great for a plant-based option—just make sure to press tofu first so it can absorb the marinade.
• Veggie Variations: Not a fan of bell peppers? Go with zucchini, red onions, or even cherry tomatoes. This dish is super adaptable.
• Corn: Frozen or canned corn can easily sub for fresh—just give it a good sear to bring out the sweetness.
• Creamy Sauce: The topping in the photo is a cilantro-lime crema. You can make it with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a vegan mayo-yogurt blend if dairy-free is your thing.
• Chipotle in Adobo: If you don’t have this, use smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a similar effect.

---

Ingredients for This Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers

Each ingredient in this dish plays a specific role in creating the balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and sweet flavors that make it so addictive.

---

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breast
  This is the heart of the dish—meaty, juicy, and the perfect canvas for that chipotle lime marinade.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
  These bring the deep, smoky heat. A little goes a long way and adds an irreplaceable boldness to the marinade.
• Fresh Lime Juice
  Lime cuts through the richness and brightens everything. It balances the spice and ties the whole dish together.
• Garlic
  Essential for depth and aroma. It infuses both the chicken and the sauce with savory warmth.
• Olive Oil
  Helps carry the flavors in the marinade and gives the chicken that golden crust when seared.
• Salt & Pepper
  Basics that enhance and balance all the other flavors.
• Sweet Corn (Fresh, Frozen, or Canned)
  Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color. Charring it brings out extra flavor.
• Bell Peppers (Red and Green)
  These provide crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness to contrast the smoky chicken.
• Fresh Cilantro
  A must for that herby freshness. It’s used in both the veggie mix and the crema topping.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
  Used to make the creamy topping. It cools down the spice and adds richness.
• Optional: Ground Cumin or Smoked Paprika
  For extra depth in the marinade if you want to bump up the flavor even more.

---

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika if using. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 8 hours if you’re planning ahead.

---

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the chicken is marinating, chop your bell peppers and prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, slice it off the cob. If frozen or canned, drain and pat dry to help it sear better.

---

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces until nicely charred on the outside and fully cooked inside (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). This usually takes 6–8 minutes total, depending on the size of your pieces. Remove and set aside.

---

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, toss in your chopped bell peppers and corn. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the veggies are slightly charred and tender, but still crisp. Season with a little salt and pepper, then add chopped fresh cilantro just before turning off the heat.

---

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with lime juice, chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a touch of adobo sauce for extra heat if you like it spicy. Stir until smooth.

---

Step 6: Assemble

Return the chicken to the skillet with the veggies and stir to combine gently—or serve it bowl-style with chicken on top of the veggies. Drizzle generously with the cilantro lime sauce right before serving.

---

How Long to Cook the Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers

The total cook time is surprisingly quick, especially if you’ve marinated ahead:

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes minimum, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
• Chicken Cooking Time: About 6–8 minutes total, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Cook until browned and the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
• Veggies Cooking Time: 4–5 minutes to get that perfect light char while keeping the texture vibrant.

Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 15 minutes of active stovetop cooking once marination is done.

---

Tips for Perfect Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers

• Marinate Long Enough
  Even 30 minutes can do wonders, but the longer it sits, the more flavorful the chicken becomes.
• Pat Your Corn Dry
  If using canned or frozen corn, make sure it’s dry before adding to the pan so it chars instead of steaming.
• Use a Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet
  It gives the best sear on the chicken and helps veggies caramelize beautifully.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
  Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
• Make the Sauce Ahead
  The creamy cilantro lime sauce keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better once the flavors mingle.
• Taste and Adjust
  Before serving, always do a quick taste test. Add an extra squeeze of lime, pinch of salt, or splash of adobo sauce if needed.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple, flavorful dish like Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers, a few common missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Skipping the Marination Time
  This isn’t just a flavor booster—it tenderizes the chicken. Don’t rush it unless absolutely necessary.
• Cooking Cold Chicken
  Let your marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking. It ensures even cooking and better searing.
• Using Too Much Marinade in the Pan
  Remove excess marinade before cooking the chicken. Too much liquid prevents browning and results in a soggy, steamed texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken
  Especially with breast meat—once it hits 165°F (74°C), take it off the heat to avoid dryness.
• Crowding the Pan
  This creates steam instead of a sear. Use a big pan or cook in batches for best texture.
• Undercooking the Veggies
  You want those bell peppers and corn to get slightly charred—not just softened—for maximum flavor.
• Forgetting to Season the Veggies
  Even with a flavorful chicken, your veggies need their own touch of salt and pepper.
• Dousing with Sauce Too Early
  Wait to drizzle the creamy cilantro-lime sauce right before serving so it doesn’t get lost in the heat of the pan.

---

What to Serve With Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to turn it into a feast or change things up, here are some crave-worthy pairings:

Guacamole & Tortilla Chips

Creamy, crunchy, and classic. A great starter or side for added richness.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Light and zesty—perfect for soaking up all the juices from the chicken and veggies.

Warm Corn or Flour Tortillas

Turn this dish into tacos or fajitas. Just add a sprinkle of cheese or avocado slices.

Southwest Salad

Think romaine, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a chipotle ranch dressing.

Spicy Black Beans

Protein-packed and flavorful—ideal for rounding out the plate.

Roasted Garlic Potatoes

For a more comforting, hearty side, roasted potatoes bring a golden, crispy element.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Amp up the corn factor with creamy, cheesy, chili-lime-coated elote on the side.

Sparkling Limeade or Margaritas

Because a dish this vibrant deserves an equally refreshing drink.

---

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? You’re in luck—Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers keeps really well, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the creamy cilantro-lime sauce separate if possible so it stays fresh and doesn’t thin out.
• Freezer: The chicken and veggie mixture freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then pack it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Reheating Tips: For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to revive the char. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Keep in mind these are general estimates and may vary based on portion sizes and specific brands:

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g (from corn and peppers)
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 520mg

This dish offers a balanced mix of lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats—making it satisfying and nourishing all in one.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Chipotle Lime Chicken?

It has a smoky heat rather than a sharp one. Chipotle peppers bring a slow-building warmth, but you can easily adjust the spice by using less adobo or omitting extra sauce in the crema.

---

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Grilling adds an extra layer of smokiness that works beautifully with the chipotle flavor. Just make sure to oil the grates and watch for flare-ups due to the marinade.

---

What if I don’t have chipotle in adobo?

You can sub with smoked paprika and a splash of hot sauce or use a chipotle spice blend. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still bring smoky depth.

---

Is this dish dairy-free?

The main dish is dairy-free if you skip the yogurt or sour cream topping. Use a plant-based yogurt for the crema if you want to keep that creamy element.

---

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before, and even cook the whole dish and store it in the fridge. Just keep the sauce separate and add it fresh when serving.

---

What cut of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless thighs give the juiciest result, but breasts are leaner and work great too—just be careful not to overcook.

---

Can I use a different protein?

Definitely. Shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak would all pair well with the chipotle lime profile.

---

Can I meal prep this for lunches?

Yes! It reheats well, holds flavor, and pairs nicely with rice or tortillas. Pack the sauce separately and drizzle it on after heating for best texture.

---

Conclusion

Chipotle Lime Chicken with Corn & Peppers is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve just brought a little street food magic into your kitchen—bold, colorful, and loaded with flavor. It’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something exciting but not complicated. The combo of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors hits every note, and it’s endlessly customizable based on what you have on hand.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: