Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn - One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients:
Veggies:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1.5 cups corn kernels, cooked (from about 3 ears of corn)
Garlic Butter Chicken:
1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, sliced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for seasoning, if desired)
½ teaspoon chili powder (plus more for seasoning, if desired)
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 (plus more if desired)
4 tablespoons butter, divided
Garnish:
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the Veggies:
Heat the Skillet:
Heat a large, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Cook Zucchini:
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook for about 3 minutes on medium heat, flipping the zucchini once until they are slightly tender and golden. Remove the zucchini to a plate and set aside.
Make Garlic Butter Chicken:
Season and Cook Chicken:
Season the sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in the same skillet used for zucchini. Add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, then flip the chicken strips over.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add Lime Juice and Butter:
Lower the heat to low. Add freshly squeezed lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 2 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the garlic is softened.
Assembly:
Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet with the chicken.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Melt over low heat, stirring to coat the chicken and veggies evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
Season and Garnish:
Stir in half of the chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, smoked paprika, and chili powder if desired. Add more lime juice if preferred.
When serving, garnish with the remaining cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder for added color and flavor.
This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic butter sauce with the freshness of cilantro and the sweetness of corn, paired with the heartiness of chicken and zucchini. It's a delightful meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking!