Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering Baked Chicken and Sweet Corn dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome even for novice cooks.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and aids in cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps the seasonings adhere better and allows the chicken to develop a nicer crust rather than steaming. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick in some parts, you can gently pound them to a more uniform thickness (about ¾ inch) using a meat mallet or a rolling pin between two pieces of plastic wrap. This ensures even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This creates your signature spice blend. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken, ensuring all sides are lightly coated. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over all sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to help it stick.
4. Prepare the Corn: If using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it completely, but if it’s in a solid block, break it up. If using canned corn, drain it very well. If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs. Place the sweet corn in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper (remember the chicken is already well-seasoned). Toss to combine.
5. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish, trying to leave a little space between them if possible, though it’s fine if they touch. Scatter the prepared sweet corn evenly around and in between the chicken pieces. The corn will cook in the chicken juices and its own moisture, becoming incredibly flavorful.
6. Optional Cheese Addition: If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the chicken breasts and the corn. This will create a delicious, savory, and slightly crispy topping.
7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is cooked when it’s no longer pink in the center and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The corn should be tender and slightly golden in spots.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Don’t skip this!
9. Garnish and Serve: After resting, if desired, garnish the Baked Chicken and Sweet Corn with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.