Cisco Kid's Southwest Chicken with Corn Salad
Zesty grilled chicken with smoky spices, served over a fresh corn and black bean salad for a vibrant, picnic-ready meal. This southwestern-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cumin, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Rub over 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cover, and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup corn, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed), 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 diced red onion. Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
- Step 4: Serve sliced chicken over the corn salad, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cisco Kid's Southwest Chicken with Corn Salad take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cisco Kid's Southwest Chicken with Corn Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cisco Kid's Southwest Chicken with Corn Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cisco Kid's Southwest Chicken with Corn Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cisco Kid's Southwest Chicken with Corn Salad?
Southwestern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
