This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn is the perfect one-pan meal for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breast is sautéed to golden perfection, then tossed with juicy zucchini and sweet corn in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish that’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely summer dinner, this recipe is a go-to when you want a comforting meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients, yet it’s bursting with flavor. The garlic butter sauce coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly, while the zucchini adds freshness and the corn brings a sweet, summery note. With just one pan, you can have a nutritious, balanced meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The garlic butter gives the dish a savory richness, while the fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Plus, it’s a low-carb and gluten-free option, making it great for any dietary needs!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp butter
-
2 zucchini, chopped
-
1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley for garnish
directions
-
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 golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped zucchini and corn, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and ensure the chicken is evenly mixed with the vegetables.
-
Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 4 servings
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Calories per serving: 430 kcal
Variations
-
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.
-
Lemon Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest for a refreshing citrusy lift.
-
Cheese Lover: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before serving for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish in the skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work perfectly in this recipe. They’ll add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the dish.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works just as well as fresh corn. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pan.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Can I add rice or noodles to this dish?
Yes, you can serve this dish over rice or noodles if you want to make it a heartier meal. Brown rice or zucchini noodles would be great low-carb options.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the chicken to ensure there is no pink remaining.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil to make this dish dairy-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish is mild but can easily be made spicier by adding red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
How can I make the sauce richer?
For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the garlic butter and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. The juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and sweet corn are perfectly complemented by the savory garlic butter sauce, making this dish a weeknight dinner winner. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal or just something delicious and quick, this skillet recipe is sure to satisfy. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and goodness!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn
Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Tender cubed chicken, sautéed zucchini, and sweet corn are tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce for a balanced and satisfying dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a light dinner, this low-carb, gluten-free recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 zucchini, chopped
1½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
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 golden brown and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped zucchini and corn, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
-
Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
-
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
-
Variations:
-
Add More Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for heat.
-
Lemon Zest: Add lemon juice or zest for a refreshing citrus lift.
-
Cheese Lover: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for a creamy finish.
-
-
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Low-Carb
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
