Garlic Butter Chicken Zucchini Corn (Printable Version)
30-minute one-pan garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn. Perfect weeknight dinner with restaurant-quality taste.
# Ingredients:
→ Protein
01 -
2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
→ Vegetables
02 -
2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
03 -
1.5 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen corn kernels)
→ Seasonings & Aromatics
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
07 -
Salt to taste
08 -
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Fats & Acids
09 -
3 tablespoons olive oil
10 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
11 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
→ Garnish
12 -
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
# Steps:
01 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add sliced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden. Remove zucchini from skillet and set aside on a plate.
02 -
Season chicken strips with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Toss to coat evenly.
03 -
Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes without moving them to develop a golden sear.
04 -
Reduce heat to low-medium and flip chicken strips. Add minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until chicken is completely cooked through.
05 -
Add cooked corn kernels and seared zucchini back to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and gently stir everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
06 -
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Fresh corn kernels work best - boil 3 ears of corn, cool, then slice off kernels for about 1.5 cups
02 -
Avoid moving chicken during initial searing to develop proper golden color
03 -
Chicken tenders or thighs can substitute for breasts - adjust cooking time accordingly
04 -
Recipe is excellent for meal prep and can be made ahead and reheated