If you’re craving a meal that feels both cozy and fresh, you’re going to absolutely adore this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender, golden chicken pieces smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with vibrant zucchini and sweet corn that adds texture and brightness to every bite. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends, offering a perfect harmony of flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing beats a recipe with straightforward ingredients that come together to create a stunning dish. Each element here plays a key role—from the juicy chicken breast providing the hearty protein base, to the fresh zucchini and corn that bring sweet, crisp notes and beautiful color to the plate. The garlic butter sauce ties it all together with rich, savory indulgence.
- Chicken breast (1 lb, cubed): Choose fresh, skinless chicken breast for a lean and tender protein.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a silky richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Creates a creamy, flavorful base for the garlic sauce.
- Zucchini (2, chopped): Brings a mild freshness and satisfying crunch when sautéed.
- Corn kernels (1½ cups, fresh or frozen): Adds natural sweetness and pop of color to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the butter with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Gives a bright, herbal finish that lifts the entire recipe.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and season generously with salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 7-8 minutes until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; this ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt completely. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until you can smell its rich aroma, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. Next, pour in the chopped zucchini and corn kernels. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften slightly but still have that lovely snap and vibrant color.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your sautéed veggies. Toss everything together gently so each piece of chicken is coated with the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, which allows all the flavors to mingle and ensures your dish is perfectly hot and ready to serve.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Give everything a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh herbal note and a splash of color. Serve this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe hot for the best experience—a dish that’s comforting, delicious, and simply irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a punch of color and brightness that balances the richness of the butter sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor that lifts the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a light couscous salad. Each side complements the savory garlic butter chicken with different textures and mild flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the chicken and veggies over toasted garlic bread for a scoop-and-eat style dinner. Alternatively, spoon the cooked chicken mixture into warm pita pockets with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean flair that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce soaks beautifully into the chicken and veggies, making each bite even more flavorful on day two.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for busy nights. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a small splash of water or broth can help keep the veggies tender and the sauce glossy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but remember they might take a bit longer to cook through. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and enjoy the richer taste.
What if I don’t have fresh zucchini or corn?
Frozen vegetables work just as well here. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the corn to avoid a watery dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative or more olive oil. The garlic flavor will still shine through beautifully!
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s not spicy by default, but if you love heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little kick.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for meal prep?
Prepare everything as directed and portion it into meal prep containers, pairing with cooked grains or salad. It reheats wonderfully and makes a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe quickly becomes a comfort food favorite because it combines simplicity with bright, satisfying flavors. I promise it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with loved ones. Give it a spin and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender cubed chicken breast sautéed with fresh zucchini and sweet corn in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, delivering a perfect balance of protein and vegetables all cooked to golden perfection in a skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetables & Sauce
- 2 zucchini, chopped
- 1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Then add the chopped zucchini and corn kernels and sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still retain some texture.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together so the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the garlic butter sauce. Continue cooking everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the dish is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the dish hot, right from the skillet.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn depending on availability; frozen corn should be thawed before cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking.
