This Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta is the epitome of comfort food, offering a satisfying combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and rich, creamy polenta. The chicken is sautéed with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and fresh thyme, then combined with a creamy corn sauce. The cheesy polenta acts as a perfect base for the dish, making it a filling and flavorful meal that is quick enough for any weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Polenta

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup dry polenta

• 1/2 cup gouda cheese (or grated parmesan)

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For the Chicken

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

• 2 cups raw corn kernels

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Make the Polenta:

   • In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of water and the milk, bringing it to a low boil. Whisk in the polenta, stirring until it becomes soft and thick (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in the parmesan cheese, butter, and season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the polenta sit for 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch.

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the butter and chicken, then season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the chicken is browned.

3. Add Corn and Garlic:

   • Stir in the corn, garlic, and thyme. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • Pour in the cream and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Add water or more cream if you need to thin the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and basil.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls, then spoon the chicken and corn mixture on top. Enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

Based on 6 servings

• Calories: 610 kcal

• Protein: 41g

• Fat: 34g

  • Saturated Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 8g

• Cholesterol: 110mg

• Sodium: 1020mg

• Potassium: 650mg

• Vitamin A: 16% of Daily Value

• Vitamin C: 12% of Daily Value

• Calcium: 25% of Daily Value

• Iron: 10% of Daily Value

This dish is rich in protein and full of savory, spicy flavors from the Cajun seasoning, complemented by the creamy texture of the polenta. It’s a fantastic option for a flavorful weeknight meal!

The Key Ingredients: Chicken, Corn, and Polenta

Chicken: Tender and Flavorful

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this dish for their tenderness and ability to absorb the flavors of the Cajun seasoning and creamy corn sauce. The chicken is cubed and cooked until browned, creating a juicy, flavorful base for the dish. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick of spice and depth, making the chicken stand out.

Corn: Sweet and Savory

Fresh corn kernels bring natural sweetness and texture to the dish. The corn is sautéed with garlic, thyme, and a rich cream sauce, creating a flavorful topping for the chicken. Corn is the perfect vegetable addition, complementing the creaminess of the polenta and balancing the richness of the dish.

Polenta: Creamy and Cheesy

Polenta is the perfect base for this dish, acting as a creamy, cheesy platform for the chicken and corn mixture. The polenta is made with milk and butter, giving it a rich, velvety texture. The addition of gouda (or parmesan) cheese brings a savory depth to the polenta, making it both comforting and indulgent.

Cajun Seasoning: Bold and Spicy

The Cajun seasoning is the hero of this dish, giving the chicken and sauce a bold, spicy kick. It’s made with a mix of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne, which infuses the chicken with depth and heat. The seasoning pairs beautifully with the sweet corn and the creamy polenta, balancing the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta

Step 1: Make the Polenta

In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of water and the milk, then bring it to a low boil over medium heat. Whisk in the polenta and cook, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes soft. Once the polenta is done, stir in the parmesan cheese, butter, and season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the polenta sit for 5 minutes to further thicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch to help it achieve a crispy texture during cooking. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the salted butter, then add the chicken cubes to the skillet. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Corn and Garlic

Stir in the fresh corn kernels, garlic, and thyme to the chicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the corn is tender. The garlic and thyme bring aromatic depth to the dish, complementing the Cajun-spiced chicken.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or more cream to reach the desired consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and fresh basil for a bright and fresh finish.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the creamy cheesy polenta into bowls, then top it with the Cajun chicken and corn mixture. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately. You can also add a side of crusty bread for dipping, or serve it alongside a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make a great side dish that complements the creamy, rich chicken and polenta.

• Salad: A fresh, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce, enhancing the meal with a satisfying texture.

Why Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta is Perfect for Any Occasion

Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta is ideal for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special family meals. It combines comfort food with bold flavors, making it both indulgent and satisfying. The creamy polenta acts as a rich base, while the Cajun-seasoned chicken and sweet corn add layers of flavor that make the dish exciting and unique.

This dish is also customizable—feel free to adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the dish even further. It’s a versatile and flavorful meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal

Creamy Garlic Corn Chicken with Cheesy Polenta is the perfect combination of rich, comforting flavors and satisfying textures. The Cajun-seasoned chicken and creamy corn sauce pair beautifully with the cheesy, velvety polenta, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible choice for anyone craving a hearty, comforting meal.