Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sizzling pool of fragrant garlic butter, accompanied by sweet summer corn and garden-fresh zucchini. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn delivers an irresistible combination of flavors that dance on your palate with every bite. The aromatic garlic infuses the butter, creating a luxurious sauce that coats each morsel perfectly while the seasonal vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional balance. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing weekend guests, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken, create a velvety garlic butter sauce, and time the vegetables just right for an extraordinary meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for good reason. First, it’s a complete meal in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time enjoying your creation. The combination of textures is truly magical – crispy-skinned chicken against tender zucchini and the sweet pop of corn kernels, all brought together by that silky garlic butter sauce.

The flavor profile strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness. The savory depth of the garlic butter chicken pairs brilliantly with the natural sweetness of corn and the mild, garden-fresh taste of zucchini. Each component complements the others without overwhelming.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate how this dish incorporates lean protein and fresh vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – suitable for casual family dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The seasonal vegetables make this butter chicken dish feel lighter and brighter than traditional versions, perfect for year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound/450g), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

The chicken provides a protein-rich canvas for the flavors, while high-quality butter creates the foundation of your sauce. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here – pre-minced varieties won’t deliver the same aromatic punch. For the zucchini, look for medium-sized ones that are firm and unblemished. Fresh corn cut straight from the cob offers the sweetest flavor, but frozen works beautifully when fresh isn’t available.

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Sear
The secret to exceptional garlic butter chicken starts with properly searing the meat. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before seasoning – any moisture will prevent proper browning. Allow your skillet to get properly hot before adding the chicken, then resist the urge to move it around. Let it develop a golden crust for 5-6 minutes before flipping. This creates the foundation of flavor for the entire dish and ensures juicy chicken every time.

Perfect Garlic Technique
The garlic requires careful handling to avoid bitterness. Add it to the pan only after reducing the heat, and sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before proceeding. This quick cooking releases the aromatic compounds without allowing them to burn. For an even more intense flavor infusion, smash half the garlic cloves and remove them before serving, while mincing the remainder for texture in the final sauce.

Vegetable Timing Matters
Add the zucchini and corn at different times to ensure perfect texture. Zucchini needs less cooking time than you might think – about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking will release too much water and create a diluted sauce. The corn should be added in the final 2-3 minutes, preserving its sweet crunch and vibrant color. This staggered approach ensures each component maintains its ideal texture in your skillet chicken with vegetables.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Slice larger breasts horizontally to create even thickness throughout, ensuring consistent cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken pieces without crowding the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent with foil.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine. The mixture should become aromatic and begin to turn slightly golden – this is the foundation of your garlic butter sauce that will flavor the entire dish.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced zucchini to the garlic butter and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften but still maintains some firmness. Add the corn kernels and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through and slightly caramelized at the edges. The vegetables should be tender-crisp rather than mushy, preserving their texture and nutritional value.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces among the vegetables. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the lemon juice, gently stirring to create a silky sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 1-2 minutes, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. This brief reunion allows the flavors to meld while reheating the chicken. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve your Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn immediately for the most delightful experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Style
Transform this garlic butter chicken recipe with Mediterranean influences by adding a handful of halved cherry tomatoes and pitted kalamata olives during the last few minutes of cooking. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil instead of parsley. The tomatoes burst slightly, releasing their juices to mingle with the garlic butter, while the olives and feta add briny depth that beautifully complements the chicken and vegetables.

Creamy Parmesan Version
For a richer interpretation, create a creamy garlic chicken with vegetables by adding ¼ cup heavy cream and ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese after returning the chicken to the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until slightly thickened, creating a luscious coating for the chicken and vegetables. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the entire dish, perfect for those who enjoy more indulgent flavors.

Herb Garden Variation
Amplify the herbal notes by incorporating a fresh herb medley. In addition to parsley, add 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh thyme and rosemary to the garlic butter, and finish with a handful of fresh basil chiffonade. This variation brings a garden-fresh aroma and complex flavor profile to the dish, making it perfect for showcasing summer herbs. The aromatic herbs infuse the butter, creating an even more fragrant sauce.

Storage and Serving

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and meld together overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce and warm gently over medium-low heat until just heated through to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For serving, pair this complete one-skillet meal with crusty artisan bread to soak up the incredible garlic butter sauce – a must for an authentic experience. For a more substantial meal, serve over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta, all of which create the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce.

For an impressive presentation, transfer the finished dish to a large, warmed platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of high-quality flaky sea salt. This family-style presentation makes the garlic butter chicken with vegetables feel special, even on a weeknight.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute and often result in even juicier meat. They typically require the same cooking time but are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The rich flavor of thighs pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce in this recipe.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic only after reducing the heat to medium-low, and cook it for just 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Keep it moving constantly in the pan, and immediately add other ingredients to stop the cooking process if you notice it starting to darken too quickly. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to your entire dish.

Can I use different vegetables?
This recipe works wonderfully with many vegetable substitutions. Bell peppers, green beans, cherry tomatoes, or yellow summer squash all make excellent alternatives to zucchini. Just adjust cooking times accordingly – harder vegetables like green beans need a few extra minutes, while softer ones like tomatoes require less time.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn can be adapted for keto by omitting the corn and perhaps adding more zucchini or substituting another low-carb vegetable like spinach or bell peppers. The garlic butter sauce is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it suitable for keto with these simple adjustments.

How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, double the red pepper flakes or add a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the garlic. For a smoky heat, add ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the garlic butter. You can also serve the finished dish with hot sauce on the side for individuals to adjust to their preference.

Print