Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – A One-Pan Weeknight Favorite

When you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinner, this garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn recipe is a perfect choice. With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet corn tossed in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce, this dish is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a dish to impress your family, this recipe brings together flavors that everyone will love.

In this dish, the savory garlic butter sauce complements the slight sweetness of the corn and the crispness of the zucchini. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means cleanup is easy! Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to make this meal a success in your kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Ingredients:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Vegetables:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1.5 cups corn kernels (about 3 ears of cooked corn on the cob)
• Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. This will allow them to cook quickly and absorb more flavor from the garlic butter sauce.
   • Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften and develop a slight golden color.
   • Add the corn kernels to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The corn should become tender, and the zucchini should be slightly crisp.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • While the vegetables are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
   • Stir in the dried thyme and oregano, then add the lemon juice if you’re using it. This will give the garlic butter sauce a fresh kick.
5. Combine the Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce:
   • Once the vegetables are tender and the garlic butter sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zucchini and corn.
   • Pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring gently to combine. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
6. Final Touches and Serving:
   • Once everything is heated through and well-coated with the garlic butter sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
   • Serve the garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn immediately, either on its own or paired with a side like rice or crusty bread.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. How to Check for Doneness:
   • To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
   • If you don’t have a thermometer, simply cut into a chicken piece; it should no longer be pink in the center.
2. What to Do if the Vegetables Cook Too Fast:
   • If the zucchini or corn is cooking too quickly and becoming mushy, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. This will help the chicken cook through without overcooking the vegetables.
3. Substitute for Chicken:
   • If you prefer beef or another protein, you can easily swap the chicken with thinly sliced beef strips or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
4. Make it Spicier:
   • For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or seasoning the chicken with cayenne pepper.
5. Add More Veggies:
   • If you want to add more vegetables, consider including bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them along with the zucchini and corn.
6. Storage Tips:
   • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
   • You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a skillet.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with Rice or Quinoa:
   • Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Brown rice or cauliflower rice works well for a healthier twist.
2. Add a Side Salad:
   • A light, fresh side salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette would balance the richness of the garlic butter chicken.
3. Serve with Crusty Bread:
   • A warm loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls would be perfect for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
4. Toss with Pasta:
   • For a heartier meal, toss the garlic butter chicken and vegetables with cooked pasta. Penne, spaghetti, or fusilli would all work well.

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Engagement Features

1. Have you tried this recipe with any variations?
   • We’d love to hear how you’ve made this dish your own! Did you add different vegetables or swap in a different protein? Share your creative ideas in the comments!
2. Serving Suggestions:
   • What’s your favorite side dish to pair with garlic butter chicken? Share your go-to sides with us, and let’s inspire each other with new meal ideas!
3. Poll:
   • Do you prefer a spicy kick in your garlic butter sauce? Vote in the comments and let us know if you like to add extra heat to your meals!
4. Encouragement to Share:
   • Loved this garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn? Share this recipe with your friends and family, and spread the joy of cooking easy, flavorful meals!

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious. The juicy chicken, crisp zucchini, and sweet corn are all enhanced by the rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and easy to clean up afterward. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves simple, flavorful meals. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations, and we encourage you to share your feedback and thoughts with us!