What type of chicken is best for making Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn?

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Chicken breasts cook quickly but can dry out, so watch cooking times carefully and rely on the garlic butter sauce to keep them moist. Thighs offer more juiciness and are forgiving if slightly overcooked. Chicken tenders are a convenient option due to their size but require careful timing to avoid drying out. Bone-in chicken is not recommended, as it needs longer cooking and may not cook evenly with the vegetables.

Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini and corn in this recipe?

Yes, this dish is flexible and works well with a variety of vegetables. While zucchini and corn provide a nice balance of sweetness and texture, you can swap or add in roasted asparagus, green beans, broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all vegetables are tender but still crisp.

How long should I cook the chicken and vegetables for Garlic Butter Chicken Zucchini Corn?

Cook sliced chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until fully cooked but still juicy. Vegetables like zucchini and corn typically take 4-6 minutes to become tender-crisp when sautéed in garlic butter. It’s best to cook chicken first, then add vegetables to the pan so everything finishes cooking together without overcooking.

What are some tips to make Garlic Butter Chicken Zucchini Corn more flavorful?

To boost flavor, generously season your chicken and vegetables with salt, pepper, and a bit of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning before cooking. Fresh garlic in the butter sauce adds a rich aroma. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Using fresh sweet corn and zucchini can also enhance the natural taste.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn a healthy meal option?

Yes, this recipe balances lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich vegetables like zucchini and corn, which are good sources of vitamins and fiber. Cooking with garlic butter adds flavor while keeping the fat content moderate if you control the amount used. For a lighter version, reduce butter slightly or substitute with olive oil. This dish can support a balanced diet when paired with whole grains or salad.

Garlic Butter Chicken Zucchini Corn 30 Minute One Pan Meal

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Zucchini Corn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing vegetables; – 2 medium zucchinis, sliced; – Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning vegetables; – 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (about 3 ears of fresh corn); – 1 lb (approximately 450 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced; – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or more, as desired; – 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or more for extra spice; – 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste for chicken seasoning; – Freshly ground black pepper to taste; – 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken; – 5 cloves garlic, minced; – 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice or more for brightness; – 4 tablespoons butter, divided (melted into the sauce); – 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Description

🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a quick one-pan meal that delivers rich flavors with minimal cleanup.
⏱ Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a buttery garlic sauce in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing vegetables

– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced

– Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning vegetables

– 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (about 3 ears of fresh corn)

– 1 lb (approximately 450 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or more, as desired

– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or more for extra spice

– 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste for chicken seasoning

– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken

– 5 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice or more for brightness

– 4 tablespoons butter, divided (melted into the sauce)

– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1-First: heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once until it’s tender. Remove the zucchini to a plate and set it aside for later.

2-Next: season the chicken strips with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. In the same skillet, heat another 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken in one layer. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, then flip and add the minced garlic, cooking for 2 more minutes.

3-Cooking and Combining Steps: Lower the heat to low and add the lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring frequently for another 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the garlic softens. Now, mix in the cooked zucchini and corn kernels, followed by the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

4- Cook on low heat until the butter melts and coats everything evenly, creating that rich garlic butter sauce. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with the rest of the cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra kick.

Notes

🌿 Use freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
🌿 Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or thyme add extra freshness to the dish.
🧀 Adding cheese such as feta, Cotija, or Parmesan can enrich the flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 421
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 507 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 27 g
Cholesterol: 103 mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, zucchini corn skillet, one-pan meal, quick chicken dinner