One Pan Chicken and Jalapeno Popper Creamed Corn

Introduction

Get your comfort food fix with this easy one pan chicken and jalapeno popper creamed corn. Juicy chicken thighs bake atop an irresistible cheesy creamed corn seasoned with jalapeños, bacon, garlic, and green onion. Thanks to using frozen corn, this dish comes together in under an hour with minimal prep required. With its decadent cheese sauce spiked with just the right amount of heat, this meal satisfies all your cravings in one skillet. Read on for the full recipe and tips for customizing.

Benefits of Creamed Corn

Creamed corn offers more nutrients than regular corn:

• Provides fiber for digestion
• Good source of vitamin C
• Contains antioxidants like beta carotene
• Cream adds calcium for bones
• Promotes eye health with lutein and zeaxanthin

Benefits of Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs provide:

• Higher fat content keeps them moist when baking
• More vitamins and minerals than chicken breasts
• Higher calories keep you feeling full longer
• More affordable than chicken breasts
• Deeper chicken flavor

Ingredients

This easy one pan dish calls for:

• Chicken thighs
• Frozen corn
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños
• Bacon
• Garlic
• Green onions

Seasonings

• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon

Cook and crumble bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove to a plate.

Brown the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder. Cook in bacon fat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

Sauté the Corn

Add frozen corn and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until starting to soften.

Make Cheese Sauce

Stir in cream cheese and cheddar. Add milk to thin if needed. Stir frequently until smooth and creamy.

Add Toppings

Mix in crumbled bacon, jalapeños, green onion. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake and Serve

Top corn mixture with chicken. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy!

Variations

Try these fun ways to customize this dish:

• Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken
• Substitute broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans for corn
• Mix in roasted red peppers for color
• Use pepper jack or habanero cheese for heat
• Garnish with avocado, cilantro, or red onion
• Swap in turkey bacon or bacon bits

Spice Mix Ideas

• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy chicken and corn is great as:

• A weeknight dinner
• A game day main dish
• A potluck contribution
• An easy freezer meal
• A low-carb meal over cauliflower rice

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Coleslaw
• BBQ baked beans

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat in oven at 375°F until warmed through.

Storage Tips

• Allow to cool before storing
• Divide into shallow airtight containers
• Ensure chicken is not left above 40°F for over 2 hours
• Freeze up to 3 months

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, substitute 4-5 ears of fresh corn kernels. Increase cook time by 5-10 minutes.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick cut bacon will provide the best texture, but any will work.

Is this dish spicy?

That depends on the type of chili powder used and the amount of jalapeños. Adjust to your taste.

Can I substitute chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.

What sides go well with this dish?

It pairs great with mashed potatoes, green salad, bread, roasted veggies and more.

Conclusion

This easy one pan chicken and jalapeno popper creamed corn brings ultimate comfort food vibes. Baked chicken thighs pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy corn spiked with spicy jalapeños and bacon. Make this crave-worthy dish any night of the week for an effortless, hearty meal the whole family will request again and again!