Introduction
Some recipes are born out of practicality and quickly become weeknight staples. The Chicken, Broccoli, and Corn Skillet is one of those magical meals. It’s affordable, nutritious, full of flavor, and—best of all—made in a single pan. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes: fast, healthy, filling, and downright delicious.
With tender, seasoned chicken, sweet corn, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy or cheesy finish (your choice!), this dish comes together in under an hour, yet it tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make this wholesome skillet dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Skillet:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
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1 teaspoon salt, divided
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
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1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, diced
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½ cup chicken broth (or water)
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¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional for creaminess)
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½ cup shredded cheese (optional – cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
Garnishes (Optional):
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Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
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A squeeze of lemon juice
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Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
🔪 Kitchen Tools
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Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cutting board and knife
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Optional: Lid for steaming broccoli
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by prepping your mise en place. Dice the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets. Drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn in advance. Having everything chopped and ready will streamline the process.
Tip: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it sear beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
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In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Mix well until evenly coated.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear for 3–4 minutes without moving, allowing the outside to develop a golden-brown crust.
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Stir and cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly crisped. Remove and set aside.
🧠 Why sear the chicken separately? It locks in flavor and ensures the meat remains juicy rather than boiling in its own juices.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
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Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
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Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Corn
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet along with ½ cup chicken broth. Cover with a lid and steam for 4–5 minutes until broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
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Stir in the corn and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Note: If using frozen vegetables, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
Step 5: Bring It Together
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything to combine.
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If you prefer a creamy texture, stir in ¼ cup of cream or sour cream and cook for 1–2 minutes until warm and well combined.
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For a cheesy version, sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for a minute or two until melted.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning. You might add a touch more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and color. Serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This skillet meal is quite versatile. Serve it as:
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A complete one-pan meal
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Over steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
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With pasta, zoodles, or cauliflower rice
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Inside tortillas as wraps or burritos
Add a simple side salad or a crusty piece of garlic bread to round out the meal.
🧠 Tips & Tricks for Success
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Use chicken thighs for even more juicy, flavorful meat.
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Add spice by including chili powder, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños.
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For extra veggies, throw in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
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Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if needed.
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Cheese options: Pepper jack adds kick, mozzarella melts beautifully, and cheddar offers sharpness.
🧊 Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Cool completely and freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
🔄 Variations
Mexican-Inspired Skillet
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Add black beans, taco seasoning, and top with cheddar and avocado slices.
Italian-Inspired Skillet
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Use Italian seasoning, add cherry tomatoes, and finish with parmesan and basil.
Vegan/Vegetarian Version
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Swap chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or meatless crumbles.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cream and cheese or use plant-based alternatives like oat cream and vegan cheddar.
Q: What if my broccoli is too hard or too soft?
Steam for less time for crunch or slightly longer for more tenderness. Keep an eye on it.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Chicken, Broccoli, and Corn Skillet is the definition of comfort meets convenience. It’s colorful, nutrient-packed, and customizable enough to keep things interesting every time you make it. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep champion, or something to impress with minimal effort, this dish delivers.
Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot on your rotation. Let me know if you’d like a printable version or a visual guide to follow along with!
