Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn is a quick and flavorful skillet meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are pan-seared and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh zucchini and sweet corn kernels, finished with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Add Corn and Spice: Stir in the corn kernels and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish is delicious when served over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a more substantial meal.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto on top for extra depth of flavor.
- For a smoky twist, grill the chicken separately and then toss it with the sautéed vegetables and garlic butter sauce at the end.
