Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a quick and flavorful skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh vegetables, garlic, and zesty lime juice. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this dish combines smoky spices with the richness of butter and the freshness of cilantro for a deliciously balanced plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Seasonings and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove zucchini from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season evenly with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown and nicely seared.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Flip the chicken slices and reduce heat to low-medium. Add minced garlic, lime juice, and butter to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the butter to melt, infusing flavor.
- Combine Vegetables and Chicken: Return the cooked zucchini and add corn kernels to the skillet. Stir everything together gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors and heat the vegetables through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately for a warm, vibrant meal.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels if available for a sweeter taste, or frozen corn if out of season.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute butter with additional olive oil.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Cast-iron skillet helps achieve a nice sear but a regular skillet will also work.
