Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a quick and flavorful skillet meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender sliced chicken breasts are seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder, then cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with fresh lime juice. Zucchini and sweet corn add vibrant color and texture, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying. Garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright, herby finish, it’s a deliciously balanced combination of protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
Spices and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 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 the zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to low-medium. Add the minced garlic, lime juice, and butter to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the butter has melted.
- Combine Vegetables and Chicken: Add the cooked zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels when in season for the best flavor, or frozen corn can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed nonstick or stainless steel skillet will also work well.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread to make it a more filling meal if desired.
