Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
A quick and flavorful garlic butter chicken and zucchini skillet dish that combines tender chicken pieces with sautéed zucchini in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking & Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it too much to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat slightly and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still maintains a slight bite. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the zucchini and garlic butter sauce. If desired, add fresh lemon juice for brightness. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Adding lemon juice enhances freshness but is optional.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Do not overcook zucchini to maintain a slight crunch.
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, zucchini skillet, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, sautéed zucchini, weeknight meal
