Description
This Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn is a deliciously simple skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in fragrant garlic butter, complemented by fresh vegetables and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for a healthy, quick dinner that combines protein and fresh produce in a flavorful way.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce and Vegetables
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the garlic butter: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet; once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Italian seasoning and zucchini: Stir in the Italian seasoning, then add the sliced zucchinis. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften.
- Cook the corn: Add the fresh corn kernels to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the corn is tender and heated through.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter, zucchini, and corn mixture over the chicken to combine flavors.
- Finish with butter, parsley, and lemon: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the entire dish. Stir gently to meld all ingredients and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired, for a fresh and savory meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking, or pound them gently if needed.
- Fresh corn kernels can be substituted with frozen corn if fresh is unavailable; thaw before use.
- For a richer flavor, consider using clarified butter instead of regular unsalted butter.
- Serve with a side of rice, crusty bread, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, zucchini, sweet corn, skillet chicken, easy dinner, savory chicken recipe
