This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a quick, flavorful one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, then tossed with fresh zucchini and sweet corn for a colorful and satisfying meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is simple, delicious, and perfect for everyday cooking.
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Made in just one pan for easy cleanup
- Packed with fresh vegetables and protein
- Rich garlic butter flavor with a hint of lime
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners
Ingredients
Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups cooked corn kernels
Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Garnish
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Add olive oil and sliced zucchini to the pan.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once, until slightly tender.
- Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken strips, add minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, add lime juice and 2 tablespoons butter.
- Cook for about 2 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in garlic butter sauce.
Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked zucchini and corn kernels back to the skillet with the chicken.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir gently until melted.
- Toss everything together so the garlic butter sauce coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, or lime juice if desired.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn topped with the remaining cilantro.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut chicken into even strips for quicker and more even cooking.
- Fresh corn from the cob gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works well too.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for better browning and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet / One-Pan
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, Halal-friendly
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- Add bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for more color and vegetables.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 410
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 25 g
FAQ
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes. Frozen corn works well; just thaw it before adding to the skillet.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day ahead and reheat gently in a skillet.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn
Ingredients
Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium zucchini sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups cooked corn kernels
Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts skinless and boneless, sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
Garnish
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Add olive oil and sliced zucchini to the pan.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once, until slightly tender.
- Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken strips, add minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, add lime juice and 2 tablespoons butter.
- Cook for about 2 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in garlic butter sauce.
Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked zucchini and corn kernels back to the skillet with the chicken.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir gently until melted.
- Toss everything together so the garlic butter sauce coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, or lime juice if desired.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn topped with the remaining cilantro.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a flavorful one-pan dinner that combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.