Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – A Quick, Amazing Dinner Idea

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – A Simple, Delicious Weeknight Win
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 2 medium zucchini, sliced; 1.5 cups corn kernels (≈3 ears or canned/frozen); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chili powder; ¼ tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed; 4 tablespoons butter (divided); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about that sizzle when zucchini hits a hot pan—especially when garlic butter and juicy chicken are in the mix. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn is one of those weeknight heroes: cozy, craveable, and on the table in under 30 minutes. If you love fresh summer flavors and low-effort dinners, this garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn is calling your name.

In This Guide

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn checks every box for a weeknight win: it’s fast (ready in 30 minutes), made in one pan (hello, easy cleanup), and packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s also gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and perfect for everything from meal prep to casual dinners with friends. Bonus: this garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn is endlessly customizable and tastes just as good reheated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn:

Chicken breasts or thighs – skinless, boneless, and sliced for fast cooking
Zucchini – crisp-tender is the goal
Corn – fresh off the cob is best, but frozen or canned work too
Garlic – lots of it, minced
Butter – divided for that rich, silky finish
Lime juice – for brightness and balance
Cilantro – adds freshness and a little zip

Optional Add-Ins

Want to take it up a notch? Add:

Grated parmesan or Cotija for a cheesy twist
Red pepper flakes for heat
Bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms for more veggies
Serve over rice, orzo, pasta, couscous, or quinoa for a heartier meal

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

Garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn in a cast iron skillet, garnished with cilantro and styled with rustic background props — Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – A Simple, Delicious Weeknight Win 10

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the zucchini: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté sliced zucchini with salt and pepper for about 3 minutes until just golden. Set aside.
Season the chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, heat more olive oil and cook the chicken for about 4 minutes undisturbed, then flip. Add the minced garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
Add butter and lime: Lower the heat, stir in lime juice and 2 tablespoons butter. Cook until chicken is juicy and cooked through.
Combine and finish: Return the zucchini and add the corn. Stir in the rest of the butter to coat everything in that garlicky sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use fresh lime juice—it makes a big difference.
Don’t overcook the zucchini; you want a bit of bite.
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth or white wine for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

Spoon it over buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice.
Toss it with pasta or quinoa for a hearty bowl.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Or keep it light with a side salad—it’s versatile like that.

For more chicken-and-zucchini magic, check out this Easy Chicken and Zucchini Skillet Dinner. Want more corn inspiration? Try this Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe.

If you’re into visual food inspo, browse our Pinterest boards packed with weeknight dinner ideas. And don’t miss the cozy cooking moments we share over on Facebook—we’d love to see what you’re making in your kitchen!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat:

Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts until warm
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet with a splash of oil or broth for about 5 minutes

Overhead skillet of garlic butter chicken with blistered corn and pan-seared zucchini, styled with fresh herbs on a rustic table — Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – A Simple, Delicious Weeknight Win 11

More Easy Chicken Skillet Recipes

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Or make it saucy with this Creamy Zucchini Sauce for Pasta and Chicken

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs cook quickly and stay tender—both work beautifully.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for olive oil or your favorite dairy-free alternative.

Is zucchini good in butter chicken?

Yes! It adds a mild, fresh contrast to the richness of the butter and garlic.

Does corn go with butter chicken?

Totally. Corn’s sweetness plays off the savory chicken and buttery sauce perfectly.

Which is the best combination with butter chicken?

You can’t go wrong with zucchini and corn, but rice, orzo, or even a green salad are fantastic pairings.

Does zucchini go with chicken?

Yes—it’s a classic combo, especially in skillet meals like this. The textures balance beautifully.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn – A Simple, Delicious Weeknight Win