Ugh, those weeknights when you’re rushing around and the last thing you want to do is a huge cleanup, right? I totally get it! That’s why I’m so obsessed with this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn. Seriously, it’s become my go-to when I need something delicious on the table FAST. It’s a complete meal, packed with flavor, and the best part? It all cooks in ONE pan. No joke! You get tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and this incredible garlicky, buttery sauce that just ties it all together. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight warrior! It hits all the right notes:

Quick Preparation Time: You can have this on the table in under 40 minutes, start to finish!
Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup, which is always a win in my book.
Bursting with Flavor: That garlic butter sauce? It’s pure magic, coating everything in deliciousness.
Healthy and Nutritious: We’re packing in veggies like zucchini and corn, so it feels good to eat too!

Ingredient Spotlight for Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

Okay, let’s talk about what makes this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn so darn good. It’s all about the quality ingredients, and lucky for us, they’re pretty simple!

Chicken Thighs

First up, we’ve got 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into nice bite-sized pieces. Honestly, chicken thighs are my secret weapon here. They just stay so incredibly moist and flavorful, even when you’re cooking them quickly. You could totally use chicken breasts if that’s what you have, but thighs really give you that extra tenderness that makes this dish shine.

Fresh Produce

For the veggies, we’re using one medium zucchini, chopped up, and about a cup of corn kernels. You can use fresh corn right off the cob, or even frozen corn straight from the freezer – it works just fine! The zucchini adds a lovely little bite, and the corn brings that sweet pop that balances everything out beautifully.

Aromatic Garlic

You can’t have garlic butter chicken without plenty of garlic, right? We’re talking about 4 cloves, minced nice and fine. Trust me, using fresh garlic here makes ALL the difference. That fragrant punch is exactly what we’re going for!

Rich Garlic Butter Sauce Components

Now for the star of the show: the sauce! It’s a simple combo of 1/2 cup unsalted butter (because we want that pure butter flavor!), 1/4 cup chicken broth to loosen things up, and just a tablespoon of lemon juice. That little bit of lemon juice is key – it cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a bright, fresh finish that just makes everything sing.

Seasoning and Garnish

We’ll start by searing the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, which helps get a nice golden-brown crust. And to finish it all off, we’ll stir in about 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped. It adds a pop of color and a lovely fresh flavor. Of course, we’ll season with salt and black pepper to taste – you know your pantry best!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Making this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is honestly super straightforward. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.

Prepare and Brown the Chicken

First things first, grab those chicken thighs you’ve cut into pieces. Give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Now, heat up your large skillet over medium-high heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the chicken. You want to cook it until it’s beautifully browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. We’re not cooking it all the way through just yet, just getting some lovely color. Once it’s browned, scoop the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We’ll bring it back later!

Sauté the Vegetables

Now, still in the same skillet (less cleanup, remember?), add your chopped zucchini and corn kernels. Give them a stir and let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. You want them to get tender-crisp – still a little bite to them, not mushy. This is where the veggies start to soften up and get ready to soak up all that yummy flavor coming next.

Infuse with Garlic and Butter

Okay, here’s where the magic really starts to happen! Add your minced garlic to the skillet with the veggies. Cook it for just about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it, or it can get a little bitter. Next, toss in the butter and the chicken broth. Stir it all around until the butter is completely melted and the sauce starts to simmer and thicken just a little. It should look glossy and delicious!

Combine and Finish the Garlic Butter Chicken

Now for the grand finale! Return that browned chicken you set aside back into the skillet with the veggies and sauce. Give it a good stir to coat everything. Then, stir in the fresh lemon juice and the chopped parsley. Let it all simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This is just enough time for the chicken to finish cooking through and for all those wonderful flavors to meld together. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through – no pink inside! Give it a taste and add a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. And that’s it! Your incredible Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

Getting this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn just right is super easy with a few little tricks. Here are my top tips to make sure it turns out amazing every single time:

Choosing the Right Skillet

Seriously, grab your biggest skillet! It might seem like a lot of food, but giving everything space helps it cook evenly and get that perfect sear.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

This goes hand-in-hand with the skillet size. If you cram too much chicken in at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook it in batches if you need to – it makes a world of difference!

Adjusting Spice Levels

If you like a little kick, don’t be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives it a nice warmth without being overpowering.

Checking for Doneness

The easiest way to know your chicken is cooked through is to cut into the largest piece. You’re looking for no pink inside. If you’re unsure, a quick poke with a thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Storing Your Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is amazing on its own, but it’s also fantastic served over some fluffy rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up that incredible sauce. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Chicken

Got questions about this amazing Garlic Butter Chicken? I’ve got answers!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work too. Just be aware they cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on them and don’t overcook!

What other vegetables can I add to this garlic butter chicken?

Oh, so many options! Bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or even some cherry tomatoes would be fantastic additions to this one-pan meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! The flavors actually meld together even more overnight. Just store and reheat as directed, and you’ve got a delicious lunch or dinner ready to go.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thin, just let it simmer a little longer uncovered. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash more chicken broth or a tiny bit of water until it’s just right!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the brands you use and the exact amounts of ingredients. So grab your favorite chicken and veggies, and enjoy!

Share Your Garlic Butter Chicken Experience!

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn! Did you try it? What did you love most? Please leave a comment below and share your experience, or even rate the recipe. Your feedback helps other cooks out there!

Snelle Garlic Butter Chicken met 1 pan

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful one-pan chicken dish with garlic butter sauce, zucchini, and corn. Perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Add zucchini and corn to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in butter and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the butter is melted and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is well combined.
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Frozen corn can be used directly from the freezer.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Zucchini, Corn, One-Pan Meal, Skillet Chicken, Easy Dinner, Quick Recipe