Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy roasted corn salsa for a bright, fresh finish. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and rest.
- Step 2: While chicken cooks, heat another skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 cup fresh corn kernels and sauté for 5 minutes until lightly charred and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove corn from heat and transfer to a bowl. Add 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin. Stir to combine and season with a pinch of salt if needed.
- Step 4: Serve the rested chicken breasts topped generously with the roasted corn salsa for a vibrant, flavorful dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa?
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 Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved the crispy chicken and the refreshing salsa. It's become a weekly dinner!
- ★★★★☆
The chicken was crispy and the salsa was a hit, but the corn was slightly undercooked. Still, a great weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Perfectly cooked chicken and the salsa added a nice kick. Only thing is it took a bit longer than the recipe said.







