Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner: Creamy Southwest Corn & Tomato Chicken

Have you ever stumbled through your front door after a long workday, hungry and tired, with zero energy to prepare an elaborate meal? That’s exactly when this Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner comes to the rescue! This creamy southwest-inspired chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a deliciously creamy corn and tomato sauce that comes together in just one pan.

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep work and everyday ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tangy tomatoes, sweet corn, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying sauce that coats each bite of juicy chicken with incredible flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this family-friendly chicken skillet dinner recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Let’s dive into this delicious one-pan wonder that’s about to become your new go-to meal!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

• ✅ This quick chicken skillet meal for busy weeknights is ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
• ✅ Perfect simple chicken skillet dinner with vegetables that combines protein and veggies in one dish
• ✅ One of the best budget-friendly chicken skillet dinner recipes using affordable, everyday ingredients
• ✅ A truly easy one-pan chicken skillet dinner idea with minimal cleanup required
• ✅ Makes a wonderful flavorful chicken skillet dinner alternative to your usual chicken recipes
• ✅ This chicken skillet dinner for beginners requires no advanced cooking skills

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

To make this delicious 30-minute easy chicken skillet dinner meal, you’ll need:

• 4 chicken breasts (1½ to 2 pounds total)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (20-ounce) package frozen creamed corn
• ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese
• 1 (10-ounce) can RO-TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Optional toppings:

• Lime wedges
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Sliced jalapeños

Ingredient Substitutions

• For a healthy chicken skillet dinner option, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor
• Make it spicier by using RO-TEL Hot Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
• For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat) instead of regular cream cheese
• If you prefer fresh ingredients, substitute the frozen creamed corn with 3 cups fresh corn kernels plus ¼ cup heavy cream

How to Make Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. If the chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for faster, more even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the sauce base

To the same skillet, add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits contain tons of flavor!

Step 4: Add the creamed corn

Add the frozen creamed corn to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken broth. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate the cream cheese

Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and add to the skillet. Stir until it melts completely into the corn mixture, creating a creamy sauce. Lower the heat if needed to prevent burning.

Step 6: Add tomatoes and seasoning

Add the RO-TEL tomatoes and green chiles (with juices) and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken back up and allow flavors to meld.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Garnish with your choice of optional toppings: a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or jalapeños for extra heat.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

• Use a large, heavy skillet: A cast-iron or heavy stainless steel pan works best for even heat distribution and beautiful browning on the chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough for all four chicken breasts, cook them in batches to ensure proper browning.
• Check chicken temperature: The safest way to know your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer – 165°F is the magic number.
• Make it ahead: This creamy chicken skillet dinner with potatoes can be even better the next day! Simply prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
• Customize the heat level: Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot RO-TEL tomatoes, or add extra jalapeños if you love heat.

Best Ways to Serve Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

This versatile family-friendly chicken skillet dinner recipe pairs beautifully with many sides:

• Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal
• Serve with warm tortillas for scooping up the creamy corn and tomato sauce
• Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice

For an extra special presentation, transfer the Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner to a serving platter and arrange all the toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their own dish.

Nutritional Information for Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 390 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg

Values are approximate and may vary based on specific products used.

Storage & Leftovers

This budget-friendly chicken skillet dinner recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave on 70% power, covered, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner

What vegetables can I add to this chicken skillet dinner?

You can easily customize this simple chicken skillet dinner with vegetables by adding bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Add harder vegetables like bell peppers when you’re making the sauce, and tender vegetables like spinach just before serving.

How long does it take to cook chicken in a skillet?

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts of average thickness (about ¾ inch), it typically takes 5-7 minutes per side. Thinner cutlets cook faster (3-4 minutes per side), while thicker pieces may need 8-10 minutes per side. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F).

Can I use frozen chicken for a skillet dinner?

For best results, thaw chicken completely before cooking in a skillet. Cooking from frozen can result in unevenly cooked chicken with a poor texture. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight before making this Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner.

What are some quick chicken skillet dinner ideas similar to this one?

If you enjoy this recipe, try these other quick chicken skillet meals for busy weeknights: chicken with mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce, Mediterranean chicken with olives and tomatoes, Asian-inspired chicken with snow peas and bell peppers, or chicken with bacon and ranch flavors.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal ingredients and just one pan, you can create a creamy, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company.

The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese creates a dish that’s comforting and satisfying without hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile enough to please picky eaters while still delivering complex flavors that adults will appreciate.

Give this 30-minute easy chicken skillet dinner meal a try the next time you need a quick dinner solution. It might just become your new favorite weeknight recipe! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below or tag us in your social media posts. We’d love to see your version of this Easy Chicken Skillet Dinner!

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