Description
A flavorful and quick one-pan meal featuring garlic butter chicken paired with sautéed zucchini and sweet corn. This dish combines tender chicken strips seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder, cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, and served with vibrant, lightly cooked vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)
Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Heat a large, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the sliced zucchini. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once to ensure even cooking. Remove the zucchini and set aside on a plate.
- Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until browned on one side.
- Add Garlic and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken strips, add minced garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes. Lower the heat to low, add lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir frequently and cook for another 2 minutes until chicken is cooked through and garlic has softened.
- Assemble the Dish: Return the cooked zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over low heat, stirring to coat the chicken and veggies evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and Season: Stir in half of the chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, and lime juice if desired. When serving, top with the remaining cilantro and optionally sprinkle a small amount of chili powder for visual appeal.
Notes
- Use fresh corn on the cob for the best sweetness and texture.
- Cast-iron skillet helps develop a nice sear and even cooking.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the heat level.
- Butter can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
- This meal is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, zucchini, corn, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken
