Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn

By Maria

Sep 3, 2024

Daily Culinary Pleasures

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn - Easy Recipe

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Hello, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a delightful and savory recipe that’s perfect for any occasion: Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn. This dish combines tender chicken with the vibrant flavors of fresh zucchini and sweet corn, all wrapped up in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this recipe is simple yet impressive, offering a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Introduction

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn is a dish that blends the rich flavors of garlic butter with the freshness of seasonal vegetables. Originating from a fusion of classic American and Mediterranean cuisines, this recipe is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. The tender chicken, infused with aromatic spices, pairs beautifully with the crisp zucchini and juicy corn, making it a versatile meal that can be enjoyed year-round.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how it reminds me of summer dinners at home, where the freshness of the vegetables really shines. The combination of garlic butter and lime juice gives the chicken a zesty kick, while the sweet corn adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the savory notes perfectly. It’s a dish that brings a burst of flavor with every bite!

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn recipe, you’ll need:

Veggies:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium zucchini, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1.5 cups corn kernels (about 3 corn ears – cooked corn on the cob)

Garlic Butter Chicken:

1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, sliced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or more to taste)

½ teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste)
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or more to taste)

4 tablespoons butter, divided

Garnish:

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, for a low-carb option, replace the corn with extra zucchini or another low-carb vegetable.

How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn:

Prepare the Veggies:
Heat an empty large, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sliced zucchini. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes on medium heat, flipping the zucchini once. Remove the cooked zucchini to a plate.

Make the Garlic Butter Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat in the same, now-empty cast-iron skillet. Add the chicken in one layer and cook, undisturbed, for about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken strips over, add minced garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes. Lower the heat to low, add freshly squeezed lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for another 2 minutes or more, frequently stirring, until the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked and the garlic has softened.
Assembly:
Add the cooked sliced zucchini and cooked corn kernels to the same skillet with the cooked chicken. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it on low heat, stirring it together with the veggies. Cook just until the butter melts and the garlic butter sauce coats both the chicken and the zucchini and corn evenly. Remove from heat. Stir in half of the chopped fresh cilantro. Season with more salt, smoked paprika, and chili powder, if desired. Add more freshly squeezed lime juice, if desired. When serving, top with the remaining half of the chopped fresh cilantro. For presentation, sprinkle a small amount of chili powder over the corn and chicken, if desired.

Helpful Tips

For the best results, make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The zucchini should be firm and the corn sweet and tender. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet; this ensures a good sear on the meat, which adds depth to the flavor.

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder. Additionally, using freshly squeezed lime juice is key to bringing out the bright, tangy notes that balance the richness of the butter.

Cooking Tips

Enhance the Flavor:
To deepen the flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the spices and lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb more of the seasoning, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Equipment:
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it retains heat well and ensures even cooking. If you don’t have one, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan will work too.

Serving Suggestions

This Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of mixed greens, drizzling some of the garlic butter sauce as a dressing. A chilled glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the zesty flavors beautifully.

For a family dinner, consider adding a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve this dish alongside some crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Nutritional Information

This Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn is not just delicious but also nutritious! The combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats makes this dish a balanced meal option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g

Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Sodium: 300mg
Potassium: 600mg
Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 700IU
Vitamin C: 20mg

Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1.5mg

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamin C, thanks to the chicken and zucchini. The corn adds fiber and vitamin A, making this meal not only satisfying but also beneficial for your health.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making for a delicious meal the next day.

Reheat:
To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of butter or olive oil to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

If you find yourself with extra leftovers, get creative! Use the chicken and veggies as a filling for a wrap or serve it cold over a bed of greens for a quick and easy salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini and corn, but fresh vegetables will provide a crisper texture and more vibrant flavor.

What can I substitute for the butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use a plant-based butter or olive oil. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Related Recipes

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these related dishes:

Spicy Chicken Kabobs With Signature Bang Bang Sauce

Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos With A Spicy Kick

These recipes are perfect companions to our Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn and are sure to be a hit at your next meal!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn as much as I do! It’s a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out or share any creative twists you’ve added. Happy cooking!

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn

Author: Patri

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Description

Instructions

Prepare the Veggies:
Heat an empty large, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sliced zucchini. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes on medium heat, flipping the zucchini once. Remove the cooked zucchini to a plate.
Make the Garlic Butter Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat in the same, now-empty cast-iron skillet. Add the chicken in one layer and cook, undisturbed, for about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken strips over, add minced garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes. Lower the heat to low, add freshly squeezed lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for another 2 minutes or more, frequently stirring, until the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked and the garlic has softened.
Assembly:
Add the cooked sliced zucchini and cooked corn kernels to the same skillet with the cooked chicken. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it on low heat, stirring it together with the veggies. Cook just until the butter melts and the garlic butter sauce coats both the chicken and the zucchini and corn evenly. Remove from heat. Stir in half of the chopped fresh cilantro. Season with more salt, smoked paprika, and chili powder, if desired. Add more freshly squeezed lime juice, if desired. When serving, top with the remaining half of the chopped fresh cilantro. For presentation, sprinkle a small amount of chili powder over the corn and chicken, if desired.