Description
This flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is a quick and delicious skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with smoky paprika and chili powder, then cooked in a buttery garlic and lime sauce alongside sautéed zucchini and sweet corn kernels. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, zesty, and fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Once softened, remove the zucchini from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season evenly with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook on one side for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and nicely seared.
- Add Aromatics and Finish Chicken: Flip the chicken slices to the other side, reduce the heat to low-medium. Add minced garlic, lime juice, and butter to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the butter to melt into a flavorful sauce.
- Combine Vegetables and Chicken: Return the cooked zucchini to the skillet along with the corn kernels. Stir everything together gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the corn heats through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen corn kernels depending on availability; just ensure frozen corn is thawed before using.
- For added heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or add chopped fresh chili when cooking the chicken.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic lime butter sauce.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken, but a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet works well too.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.