A simple yet delicious dish that brings together the savory richness of chicken with the fresh flavors of zucchini and corn, all drizzled in a garlic butter sauce. This one-pan meal is quick to make, taking just 30 minutes, and perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with flavor and offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and fresh veggies. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The garlic butter sauce adds richness and depth, making this dish a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal clean-up after a delicious meal!
Ingredients
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2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lime, juiced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the zucchini and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
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Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to low-medium. Add garlic, lime juice, and butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the butter has melted.
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Add the cooked zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Swap zucchini for other veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
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Add cheese such as feta, Cotija, or Parmesan for a creamy twist.
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Serve with pasta, rice, quinoa, or couscous to make the meal more filling.
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For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or hot sauce over the finished dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat, warm the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier, making them a great choice for this dish.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly for this recipe if fresh corn is unavailable.
Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
It’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe since it cooks faster and blends better with the garlic butter sauce.
How do I ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out?
Monitor the cooking time closely, especially if using chicken breasts, as they can dry out quickly. Keep the heat moderate and avoid overcooking.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can substitute zucchini with other veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this meal is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, you can use any skillet, but a cast-iron pan helps to sear the chicken nicely and adds great flavor.
Can I substitute the lime juice with lemon?
Yes, lemon juice can be used as an alternative to lime for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Conclusion
This garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dinner that your whole family will love. With minimal ingredients, a simple cooking process, and rich flavors, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this meal with your favorite side or on its own for a satisfying, wholesome dish.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is an easy and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet corn, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is full of protein, fiber, and delicious flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that requires minimal cleanup and can be customized with various vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove zucchini and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
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Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to low-medium, and add garlic, lime juice, and butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the butter has melted.
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Add the cooked zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to swap zucchini for other veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Add cheese like feta, Cotija, or Parmesan for a creamy twist.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce over the finished dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Sauté
- Cuisine: American
