Creamy Chicken & Sweet Corn Oats Recipe – Easy Comfort Food

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Chicken & Sweet Corn Oats Recipe – Easy Comfort Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave something warm, comforting, and easy after a long day. This Creamy Chicken & Sweet Corn Oats recipe is exactly that. It’s a hug in a bowl, honestly! I first stumbled upon this when I was looking for ways to use up leftover shredded chicken, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s surprisingly delicious, super quick to make, and a great way to sneak in some extra goodness. Let’s get cooking!

Servings: 3
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical oats porridge! It’s a savoury delight that’s packed with flavour and texture. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly filling. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Honestly, it’s a winner for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (approx. 15ml)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cup chicken stock (approx. 480ml)
• 1 cup milk (approx. 240ml)
• 3 tbsp oats (approx. 30g) – I prefer rolled oats for this!
• 1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels (approx. 150g)
• 1 cup shredded chicken (approx. 150g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.5 tsp paprika (approx. 2.5ml)
• Generous dash of dried parsley

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Olive Oil Varieties

You can use any olive oil you like, but I find a good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavour. Don’t worry too much about it though – whatever you have on hand will work just fine!

Garlic – Regional Indian Types & Uses

In India, we use garlic a lot! Different regions have different preferences. I usually use the smaller, more pungent garlic cloves, but you can use larger ones if you prefer a milder flavour. Don’t be shy with the garlic – it really makes the dish!

Oats – Types & Nutritional Benefits (Rolled vs. Steel Cut)

I recommend rolled oats for this recipe. They create a lovely creamy texture. Steel-cut oats take much longer to cook and won’t give you the same result. Rolled oats are also a great source of fibre, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Chicken Stock – Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Homemade chicken stock is always best, if you have the time! But a good quality store-bought stock works perfectly well. Just check the sodium content and adjust the salt accordingly.

Sweet Corn – Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?

Frozen sweet corn is my go-to – it’s convenient and readily available. Fresh is amazing if you can get it, and canned works in a pinch, just make sure to drain it well.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the olive oil in a nice, wide pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or so, until it smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent – about 3-5 minutes.
4. Now, pour in the chicken stock and milk. Bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Add the oats and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the sweet corn kernels and shredded chicken. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the corn is tender and everything is heated through.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it a good mix, and sprinkle with a generous dash of dried parsley.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the garlic and onion. This will help them cook evenly.
• Stir the oats frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Adaptation (Using Plant-Based Chicken & Milk)

My friend Priya is vegan, and she loves this recipe with plant-based chicken and oat milk or almond milk. It’s just as delicious!

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your oats are certified gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment – Adding Green Chilies or Red Chili Powder

If you like a bit of heat, add a finely chopped green chili or a pinch of red chili powder along with the garlic and onion. My family loves a little kick!

Quick Weeknight Version – Using Pre-Cooked Chicken

Short on time? Use a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to save even more time.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken and sweet corn oats is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A side of crusty bread for dipping.
• A simple green salad.
• A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream (optional).

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Is this recipe suitable for babies or toddlers?

It can be, but make sure the oats are very well cooked and the chicken is finely shredded. You might also want to reduce the amount of salt and pepper.

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Peas, carrots, or broccoli would all be delicious additions.

What kind of chicken is best for this dish?

Any cooked chicken will work – leftover roast chicken, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the base (garlic, onion, oats, stock, and milk) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just add the chicken and corn when you’re ready to serve.

How can I adjust the consistency of the oats?

If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk or chicken stock. If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less liquid or simmer for a longer time.

Enjoy this comforting and flavourful dish! I hope it becomes a favourite in your home too. Let me know what you think in the comments below!