Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a vibrant, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This quick, 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With the flavors of lime, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro, it’s a meal that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or more, to taste)

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)

For the Veggies:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced

• 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn, or use frozen corn)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Additional lime juice, if desired

Directions

1. Prepare the Veggies: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet. Add the chicken in one layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and add minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Add the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat, add lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the garlic softens.

4. Combine with Veggies: Add the cooked zucchini and corn to the skillet, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir everything together on low heat for 1-2 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce coats everything evenly.

5. Finish and Serve: Stir in half of the fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt, paprika, chili powder, or lime juice as needed. Top with the remaining cilantro before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 421 kcal (per serving)

• Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 13g

  • Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 32g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 370mg

Why Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn Works So Well

The key to this dish is the garlic butter sauce, which brings together all the elements—chicken, zucchini, and corn—into a harmonious, flavorful experience. The garlic adds depth and warmth, while the butter provides a creamy, rich base that binds everything together. The lime juice adds a burst of citrusy freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce, while smoked paprika and chili powder give the chicken an extra layer of smokiness and heat. The zucchini and corn add freshness and texture, creating a balanced dish that is both light and satisfying.

Additionally, this one-pan recipe offers great flexibility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making it a versatile option for many different tastes and occasions.

The Essential Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break down the components:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for their tender texture and lean profile. Slicing them into strips helps them cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a juicy, flavorful result. The chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, chili powder, and lime juice to enhance its natural flavor and provide a depth of taste.

Zucchini

Zucchini adds a fresh, mild flavor and tender texture that perfectly complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Its neutral flavor allows it to absorb the flavors of the seasoning, making it an excellent addition to this dish. When sautéed, zucchini softens, while still retaining a slight bite, adding a pleasant contrast to the creamy chicken and corn.

Corn

Corn brings natural sweetness and a bit of texture to the dish, balancing out the richness of the chicken and garlic butter sauce. Whether you use fresh corn on the cob or frozen corn kernels, the sweetness of the corn creates a wonderful contrast with the smoky heat of the chicken and the savory garlic butter sauce.

Garlic and Lime

Garlic is essential in this dish, providing a fragrant, savory base that elevates the overall flavor. Fresh lime juice is added to brighten the flavors and offer a tangy, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the butter sauce. Together, these ingredients create a fresh, aromatic foundation for the entire dish.

Smoked Paprika and Chili Powder

Smoked paprika is what gives the chicken its warm, smoky flavor, while chili powder adds a touch of heat. These spices work together to enhance the chicken and give it a bold, savory profile. The combination of these spices adds complexity without overpowering the dish, and the chili powder can be adjusted to suit your desired spice level.

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness and color to the dish, providing a fresh herbaceous note that perfectly complements the other flavors. It’s added both in the cooking process and as a garnish, bringing a vibrant freshness to the finished meal.

The Simple Cooking Process

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn recipe is quick and easy, with minimal preparation and cook time. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to make this flavorful dish:

Prepare the Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once, until the zucchini is just tender. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set it aside while you cook the chicken.

Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, allowing the chicken to sear and develop a golden brown crust. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and become fragrant.

Add the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat, then add the lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the garlic has softened, creating a delicious garlic butter sauce.

Combine with Veggies

Return the cooked zucchini and corn to the skillet, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir everything together on low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and coat the chicken and veggies in the flavorful sauce.

Finish and Serve

Stir in half of the fresh cilantro, adjusting the seasoning with salt, paprika, chili powder, or lime juice to taste. Garnish the dish with the remaining cilantro before serving, and squeeze additional lime juice on top for an extra burst of freshness if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn can be served on its own for a low-carb meal, or paired with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the dish over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

• Crisp Salad: A light, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would pair beautifully with the richness of the chicken and veggies.

• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty, satisfying side that complements the tender chicken and fresh veggies.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

With just 30 minutes of cook time, Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The one-pan nature of the recipe means minimal cleanup, and the quick cooking process ensures you can have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in no time. It’s also a great dish to make ahead, as the flavors meld beautifully when reheated, making it a perfect option for meal prep.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy garlic butter sauce and fresh vegetables. With the addition of lime, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro, this one-pan recipe delivers a vibrant, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. The best part? It’s as simple as it is delicious, making it a go-to option for any occasion.