Exploring the world of flavor, I’ve discovered a recipe that’s both comforting and exciting: Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn. This dish combines the rich, savory taste of seasoned chicken thighs with the zesty kick of jalapeño creamed corn. Such a pairing makes it perfect for dinner when you crave both warmth and a hint of spice.
Imagine juicy chicken thighs mingling with jalapeno popper creamed corn, where cream cheese and cheddar melt into every bite. The result? A delightful balance of textures and a touch of jalapeño heat that keeps each spoonful interesting. This simple yet flavorful meal is sure to impress anyone around your dinner table.
Personally, I love how the jalapeño creamed corn complements the chicken perfectly, turning a simple meal into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish offers an easy and delicious way to bring everyone together. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want to serve a meal that’s both satisfying and full of character.
Why You Will Love Chicken Thighs With Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn
I truly believe Chicken Thighs with Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn is a dish that everyone will adore for many reasons. The flavour of this dish is a perfect blend of mild heat from jalapeños mixed with the creamy richness of cream cheese and cheddar. When these ingredients come together, they create a wonderful harmony on your taste buds.
One highlight is the texture. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, bringing a satisfying bite that pairs well with the creamy corn mixture. The creamed corn adds a velvety smoothness, and the jalapeños provide a slight crunch. This combination makes every mouthful an exciting experience.
The dish excels because of its layers of flavour. The chicken itself is seasoned, offering a savory depth that complements the rich and cheesy creamed corn. The addition of jalapeños gives it a spicy kick, making it anything but ordinary.
Cheesy goodness runs through this entire recipe. Both the cream cheese and cheddar meld into the corn, creating a luscious sauce. This transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, making each bite indulgent.
How To Make Chicken Thighs With Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn
To make Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn, I start by preparing seasoned chicken thighs and a rich, creamy corn mixture. This recipe combines the spicy heat of jalapeños with the smoothness of cheddar cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): 2 lbs
- Fresh corn or frozen corn: 2 cups
- Jalapeños: 2, chopped
- Yellow onion: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Cream cheese: 4 oz
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Bacon: 4 slices, chopped
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Seasonings: cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried cilantro, salt, black pepper
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro
Instruments
- Skillet: For frying chicken and sautéing veggies
- Medium pan: To combine creamed corn ingredients
- Wooden spoon: For stirring
- Sharp knife: For chopping
- Cutting board: For preparing ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy
Step By Step Instruction
First, I season the chicken thighs with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt. Then, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan fry the chicken thighs until golden and cooked through. I remove them and set them aside.
Next, I melt butter in the same skillet. I sauté yellow onion and chopped jalapeños until the onion turns translucent. I add minced garlic and cook briefly. Then I stir in fresh corn or frozen corn, cooking until heated through.
I mix in cream cheese and shredded cheddar, ensuring everything blends well. Then, I pour in chicken broth, allowing it to simmer until slightly thickened. I return the chicken to the skillet, letting it absorb the creamy flavors.
Finally, I sprinkle chopped bacon and fresh cilantro on top for extra crunch and freshness. The dish is ready to serve, bursting with flavor and spice.
Ingredient Substitute
When I prepare Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn, I often find myself needing substitutes for certain ingredients.
If I’m out of cream cheese, I might use sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both work well to create a creamy texture, though they might alter the flavor slightly.
When I don’t have heavy cream, I often use a combination of milk and butter. Mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter can mimic the thick consistency. If I have some half and half around, I use that instead.
Occasionally, I swap sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. Both melt nicely, adding a gooey touch to the dish.
For those who enjoy bold flavors, replacing cheddar with blue cheese can add a sharp, tangy element. I find this gives the dish an exciting twist.
While limes are great for adding a fresh tang, lemon juice can be a good exchange too. It brings brightness and acidity to the dish.
If I’m feeling adventurous or out of fresh jalapeños, I reach for canned jalapeños. It’s an easy swap that maintains the spicy kick I love.
What To Serve With Chicken Thighs With Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn
When I make Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn, I like to pair them with sides that balance the richness and spice. Here are some ideas.
A simple green salad adds freshness. I toss together crisp lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. A light vinaigrette works perfectly.
Grilled vegetables also make a great side. Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add vibrant colors to the plate.
If you prefer something starchy, try mashed potatoes. Their creamy texture complements the dish well. Rice pilaf is another good option, providing a hearty base that soaks up flavors.
Garlic bread brings a delightful crunch and is perfect for mopping up the creamy corn.
For something unique, consider an avocado and mango salad. It adds a touch of sweetness and a refreshing twist.
Serve with a chilled iced tea or lemonade to cool down the spice. It rounds out the meal comfortably.
How To Store Chicken Thighs With Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn
When I want to save my Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn for later, I make sure to store it properly. Proper storage keeps it fresh and yummy.
First, let everything cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make the dish soggy.
I place the cooled dish in an airtight container. A well-sealed container keeps the moisture in and outside odors out, preserving flavor and texture.
I keep the container in the refrigerator if I plan to eat it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, I put it in the freezer, where it will last up to 3 months.
When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I choose a reheating method that suits my time and equipment.
For quick reheating, I use the microwave. I place the portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes. Stirring halfway helps heat evenly.
For a different texture, the oven is great. I preheat it to 375°F and heat the dish for about 10-12 minutes. This helps keep the chicken skin slightly crispy.
The stovetop is also an option. I warm the dish over medium heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated through. This helps keep the chicken tender.
Is Chicken Thighs With Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn Healthy
When I’m looking at a dish like Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn, I consider the balance of flavors and nutrition. The chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, which helps keep me full and support muscle health.
Jalapenos add spice and have vitamins like vitamin C. They can boost metabolism, too. However, if spice isn’t your thing, consider using a milder pepper.
The creamed corn in this dish makes it creamy and smooth. While it’s tasty, cream cheese and sharp cheddar can be high in fats and calories. Using them in moderation can keep the dish healthier.
For a low-carb meal, I notice this recipe might need adjustments. Corn is naturally higher in carbs. One idea is to balance this by serving with a leafy green salad or a low-carb vegetable side, which could add fiber and nutrients.
Looking at other ingredients, spices like chili powder and onion powder can enhance flavor without adding extra calories. But dried cilantro or similar garnishes might not contribute much to health, mostly adding taste.
Making smart swaps can help, like reducing the cheese or choosing lighter dairy options. This way, I find the dish still delivers on flavor while being a bit healthier.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
When I make Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn, I try to keep track of the nutrition details. Here’s a list of what you might expect:
- Calories: About 300 per serving.
- Protein: Approximately 20 grams.
- Fat: Around 20 grams of fat.
- Carbohydrates: Estimated 10 grams.
For a balanced meal, I also check the vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium: This dish can provide a good amount of calcium, essential for bones.
- Potassium: About 13% of your daily intake, important for muscle function.
When making this dish, I focus on using fresh ingredients to maximize nutritional benefits. The chicken thighs are a great source of protein and provide the body with energy.
The jalapeno adds a spicy kick and some vitamins. Combined with the creamed corn, the dish becomes a flavorful meal.
Understanding these values can help maintain a healthy diet while enjoying this delicious meal.
Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn
Equipment
- Skillet (for frying chicken and sautéing veggies)
- Medium pan (for creamed corn)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- Sharp knife and cutting board (for chopping)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn
- 2 jalapeños chopped
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasonings: cumin chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried cilantro, salt, black pepper
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Season chicken: Season chicken thighs with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken thighs until golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare creamed corn: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and jalapeños until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in corn (fresh or frozen) and cook until heated through.
- Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour in chicken broth and let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish the dish: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, allowing them to soak in the creamy flavors for a few minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped bacon and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Calcium: Significant amount from cheese
- Potassium: About 13% of daily intake
