Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with sweet corn and tender zucchini in this irresistible summer skillet sensation. Hearty ingredients meld into a delightful one-pan meal that brings Mediterranean warmth directly to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, sliced
- 2 zucchini, medium, sliced
- 1.5 cups corn kernels, cooked (about 3 corn ears corn on the cob)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Oils, Liquids, and Herbs:
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by heating a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Sauté sliced zucchini with salt and pepper for approximately 3 minutes, turning once, until golden and slightly softened. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Transform chicken breasts into strips, generously coating with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful exterior during cooking.
- Reheat the skillet with additional olive oil, arranging chicken strips in a single layer. Allow to sear undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the strips and introduce minced garlic, continuing to cook for 2 more minutes.
- Reduce heat and incorporate freshly squeezed lime juice, then melt two tablespoons of butter into the pan. This creates a luxurious, garlicky sauce that thoroughly coats the chicken.
- Reintroduce the previously cooked zucchini and add corn kernels to the skillet. Incorporate remaining butter, ensuring even coating. Sprinkle half of the chopped cilantro for a vibrant, herbal touch.
- Fine-tune the dish’s flavor profile by adjusting with additional lime juice, paprika, or chili powder. Garnish with an extra dusting of chili powder for visual appeal and an extra kick of spice.
Notes
- Enhance zucchini’s texture by patting it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a perfect golden sear.
- Create a versatile dish by substituting chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the same vibrant flavors.
- Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and paprika quantities, making the recipe adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
- Maximize flavor development by allowing chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg