Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is a perfect summer comfort food that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. This one-pan dish features tender chicken breasts or thighs, a creamy corn sauce infused with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, and a touch of parmesan. With a minimal prep time of about 10 minutes and cook time of 30 minutes, this delicious recipe will become a go-to for summer dinners.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme (plus more for serving)

  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• For the Sauce:

  • 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped

  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 4 ears of corn, kernels removed from cob

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • ¾ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

  • ½ cup heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk, or whole milk

  • ½ cup grated parmesan or Asiago cheese

  • Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat with flour and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.

3. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken and sear both sides until golden (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet.

4. Cook the Sauce: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Add the butter, corn, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the corn is golden.

5. Simmer: Pour in the white wine and ½ cup water. Add the chicken back into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is warmed through.

7. Serve: Top with the cooked bacon, fresh thyme, and basil. Serve warm.

Nutrients

• Calories: 537 kcal (per serving)

• Fat: 29g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 13g

  • Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 45g

• Cholesterol: 105mg

• Sodium: 590mg

Why This Dish is Perfect for Summer

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is ideal for summer for several reasons. First, it showcases fresh, in-season corn, which adds sweetness and a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. The quick cooking time of just 30 minutes makes it a great choice for busy summer nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Additionally, the fact that it’s a one-pan dish means easy cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy the meal and relax.

The dish also balances richness and freshness. While the garlic butter sauce creates a decadent, creamy texture, the corn brings a light, natural sweetness that lightens the overall dish. The fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese add depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully. It’s a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is perfect for the warm weather when you want something hearty but not too heavy.

The Ingredients: A Perfect Harmony of Flavors

The ingredients for Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken are simple, yet they come together to create a symphony of flavors. Let’s take a look at each component and how it contributes to the overall dish.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

The choice of chicken is crucial to this recipe, and both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Chicken thighs are ideal if you’re looking for a juicier, more flavorful cut, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option. Both cuts absorb the marinade and sauce beautifully, staying tender and juicy when cooked. Coating the chicken in flour before searing ensures a golden-brown crust that adds texture and flavor to the final dish.

Bacon

Bacon brings an irresistible savory, smoky flavor to the dish, adding richness to the creamy sauce. The crispy bacon bits are a perfect garnish, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the sauce. It’s an unexpected twist that elevates the flavor profile of the dish.

Fresh Corn

Fresh corn is the star of the sauce. The kernels add natural sweetness and a juicy bite, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Fresh corn is ideal for this dish, but you can substitute frozen corn if needed. Sautéing the corn until golden creates a slightly caramelized flavor that brings out the sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.

Garlic and Fresh Thyme

Garlic is a key ingredient in creating a fragrant and flavorful sauce. The garlic infuses the oil and butter, creating a base that enhances the creaminess of the sauce. Fresh thyme adds an herbal, slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory foundation for the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes provide just a hint of heat to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and cream. The spice level is subtle, allowing the other flavors to shine, but adding enough heat to make each bite interesting. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.

White Wine and Heavy Cream

The white wine deglazes the pan after cooking the bacon and chicken, infusing the sauce with additional depth. The heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative) adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, creating a luxurious texture that coats the chicken and corn beautifully.

Parmesan Cheese

The addition of grated parmesan or Asiago cheese adds a salty, umami-rich finish to the sauce. The cheese melts into the sauce, helping to thicken it and enhancing the overall flavor. Parmesan provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the corn, making the sauce balanced and indulgent.

Fresh Basil and Thyme for Garnish

Garnishing the dish with fresh basil and thyme adds a pop of color and freshness. The herbs complement the flavors of the chicken and sauce, offering a final burst of aromatic freshness that lightens the dish.

The Simple Cooking Process: Easy, Flavorful, and Quick

The process of making Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is straightforward and quick, making it a great option for busy evenings. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by rubbing the chicken with olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Then, coat the chicken with a light dusting of flour to help create a crispy, golden crust when seared. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving some of the rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor.

Sear the Chicken

Add the chicken to the same skillet and sear both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the onion until fragrant. Then, add butter, corn, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook the corn for about 5 minutes until it’s golden and slightly caramelized. This adds richness and flavor to the sauce.

Simmer the Chicken

Pour in the white wine and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add more flavor to the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, and let it simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through. The chicken will absorb the flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and tender.

Finish the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to thicken and become creamy. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety finish.

Serve and Garnish

Top the dish with crispy bacon bits, fresh thyme, and basil. Serve the Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken warm, accompanied by your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich, savory flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for the sauce and make a hearty, comforting side.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or green beans offer a fresh, light contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

• Rice or Quinoa: A bed of rice or quinoa allows the sauce to soak in and adds texture to the dish.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, savory corn sauce. The combination of fresh corn, garlic, bacon, and parmesan makes for a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is a must-try. It’s flavorful, comforting, and sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.