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Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn is a comforting and flavorful dinner recipe that marries tender chicken with summer vegetables in a rich garlic butter sauce. With Mediterranean and American flavor influences, it’s quick to prepare, full of color, and bursting with fresh, zesty, and savory notes. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner, this one-pan dish is as simple as it is impressive.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Veggies:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1.5 cups corn kernels (about 3 ears of 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

Optional Modifications: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, or swap corn for more zucchini for a low-carb alternative.

Directions

1. Prepare the Veggies:
Heat a large, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and zucchini slices. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, flipping once. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Chicken:
Slice chicken and season with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium. Add chicken in a single layer, cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. Flip, add garlic, and cook 2 more minutes. Lower heat, add lime juice and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook 2+ minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is cooked and garlic softens.

3. Assemble the Dish:
Return zucchini and add corn to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir over low heat until melted and everything is coated in garlic butter. Remove from heat, stir in half the cilantro. Season further if needed. Garnish with remaining cilantro and a dash of chili powder if desired.

Nutrients (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: 700 IU
Vitamin C: 20mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1.5mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this dish apart is the clever use of garlic butter to elevate everyday ingredients. Chicken breast, often criticized for being bland or dry, is transformed here into juicy, flavorful bites thanks to searing in olive oil followed by a bath of melted butter and garlic. The addition of lime juice cuts through the richness, offering a bright, zesty twist that balances the dish. Combined with the tender sautéed zucchini and the natural sweetness of corn, this skillet meal is a harmony of flavors and textures.

Notably, this recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complex steps. Its power lies in its simplicity, which makes it approachable for beginners yet delicious enough to wow seasoned home cooks. The flexibility of the ingredients means you can tweak the dish based on seasonality or dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Inspired by Mediterranean Comfort and Seasonal Produce

At its core, this recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine—particularly in its use of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and fresh vegetables. The addition of butter, chili powder, and lime adds a touch of Americana, bridging global flavor profiles into a satisfying weekday dinner. These Mediterranean principles—simple, wholesome ingredients treated with care—are what make this meal so appealing.

Zucchini and corn are often at their peak during the summer months, but thanks to accessible frozen corn and greenhouse zucchini, this meal can be enjoyed year-round. It’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal vegetables, and when cooked properly, both add distinctive texture and sweetness that complement the richness of the chicken.

Nutrition and Balance in One Pan

Nutritionally, this dish hits a sweet spot. It’s high in protein and moderate in healthy fats, while still keeping carbohydrates in check. The use of olive oil and butter delivers essential fats that contribute to satiety and flavor, while zucchini and corn provide dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. The lime juice not only brightens the flavor but also adds a dose of vitamin C, supporting immune health and digestion.

Each serving comes in at around 350 calories, making it appropriate for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The meal’s macronutrient composition supports active lifestyles and provides a steady energy boost, ideal for dinner without the post-meal sluggishness.

Effortless Preparation, Minimal Clean-Up

One of the most attractive aspects of this garlic butter chicken recipe is how little fuss it involves. With everything cooked in a single cast-iron or non-stick skillet, you’ll spend less time on cleanup and more time enjoying the food. This makes it a perfect weeknight solution for busy individuals or families. The recipe can also be easily doubled to serve a larger group, making it a convenient go-to for casual dinner parties or family-style meals.

Because the chicken and vegetables are all cooked in the same pan, they absorb the same base of garlic butter, lime, and seasoning—ensuring consistent flavor in every bite. This streamlined approach doesn’t just save time; it also amplifies taste.

Adaptable for Different Diets

This dish’s versatility is another reason it’s so popular. Those avoiding dairy can simply substitute the butter with a plant-based version and still enjoy the rich, silky sauce. For low-carb eaters, you can omit the corn and increase the zucchini or even add spinach or mushrooms. The base of garlic butter chicken is incredibly adaptable—serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or simply eat it as is for a low-carb dinner.

Additionally, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, making it a safe and inclusive option for households with multiple dietary considerations.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn can stand alone as a complete meal, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a light couscous salad or quinoa pilaf for a more filling meal. Crusty bread is an excellent addition for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce. For a drink, a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus notes beautifully.

To make the meal even more vibrant, consider garnishing with sliced radishes, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. The fresh cilantro finish already adds a nice herbaceous kick, but parsley or basil would work just as well if cilantro isn’t your favorite.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, and when used generously—as in this recipe—it may help support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Zucchini is low in calories but high in water and fiber, aiding digestion and satiety. Corn provides essential B vitamins and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.

Chicken breast, lean and protein-rich, supports muscle health and keeps you full longer. Using olive oil instead of heavy cream or additional butter helps keep the dish heart-healthy while still delivering rich flavor.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This meal stores well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. You can portion it into containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. The dish also freezes reasonably well—just avoid overcooking the vegetables if you plan to freeze it, as zucchini can become mushy when thawed.

Conclusion

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is more than just a quick skillet dinner—it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients elevated by bold flavors and rich textures. From the creamy butter sauce and zesty lime to the sweet corn and tender zucchini, every component plays a role in crafting a meal that feels indulgent but remains wholesome. Its one-pan convenience, year-round adaptability, and universally loved flavors make it a staple in any home cook’s rotation.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving guests, this dish is bound to become a go-to. The combination of ease, nutrition, and flavor ensures that this garlic butter chicken won’t just be a meal—it’ll be a favorite.

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