What makes a weeknight feel like an obstacle course?Chicken zucchini corn. How is it cookedWhat is my secret weapon? What are some of the best zucchini slices, all mingling with tender chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and those melt-in-your-mouth zucchini? In one pan, kissed with a simple, savory sauce. Is this a lighter version of chicken pot pie? I swear, even picky eaters (ahem, my youngest) gobble this down. Is it so simple that even I can pull it off after a long day? Who doesn’t love love?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is chicken Zucchini Corn?
Think of Chicken zucchini corn.As the ultimate summer harvest hug on a plate. What is essentially a skillet meal where chicken gets friendly with fresh seasonal vegetables? The Zucchini adds a beautiful tenderness, and the corn provides that signature sweetness that just makes it so special. What is summer? Is there a light sauce that brings everything together? No heavy cream sauces here, we’re keeping it fresh and flavorful. I’ve played around with the herbs and spices over the years, but this version is the one my family loves. Is it comfort food?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this book?Chicken zucchini corn.Is it ridiculously easy to do? What is the best way to prepare a meal in under an hour? What’s a win in my book, especially when compared to more complicated recipes like lasagna (which I like more and more)? *do* love, but not on a Tuesday!
- Flavor explosion: WhatThe sweetness of the corn is the perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken and the slightly bitter. What is a dance of flavors? I like to add a little chili flakes to my food.
- What are simple ingredients? No need to hunt down obscure ingredients at specialty stores. Everything you need is readily available at your local grocery store, or even your farmer’s market.
- Budget friendlyChicken thighs are typically less expensive than breasts, and zucchini and corn are usually pretty good. Is it affordable, especially when in season? What is a meal that won’t break the bank?
- Versatile:Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add different veggies, experiment with different herbs, or even toss in a can of beans for extra flavor. Is there an infinite amount of possibilities? Is it safe to grill chicken before cooking?
What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight meal? What is a dish I know I can always count on and I’m so excited to share it with you!
How do I make Zucchini Corn?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make this amazing food?Chicken zucchini corn. What is the recipeIf you’re going to chop your veggies and chicken, sauté them in a pan until the chicken is tender. Then you can chop the veggies. What is the best way to make a quick sauce? Is it easier than ordering takeout? It’s mostly just layering flavors. Is there really What is the beauty of this recipe?
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Veggies:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like chicken breasts, but I prefer thighs because they are juicy. I also like a thigh & breast. Just be careful not to overcook them.
- 2 medium zucchini, diced. Don’t bother peeling them unless the skin is particularly tough.
- 2 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 2 cups). Fresh corn is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
- 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works great.
- What is the difference between fresh garlic and minced garlic?
- Red bell pepper, diced. Adds a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. For sautéing everything.
What is the Savory Sauce?
- What is the best chicken broth to drink?
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. For thickening the sauce. Is cornstarch gluten free?
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Or a mix of your favorite herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. Or to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Or to taste.
- What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese?
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What is a 12-inch skillet? No need to preheat the oven for this one; it’s all done on the stovetop. Make sure your skillet is clean and dry before you start. This is important for even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
How do you heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat? Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 3: Add Chicken & Bell Pepper
Add the chicken pieces and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Is it safe to eat?
Step 4: Add Zucchini & Corn
Add the diced zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook until zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes. Don’t overcook zucchini, or it will become mushy.
Step 5: Make the Savory Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, flour, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside. This prevents lumps in the sauce.
Step 6: Simmer & Thicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Add Parmesan (Optional)
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it into the skillet during the last minute of cooking. This adds a nice cheesy flavor and helps to thicken the sauce even further.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the chicken zucchini corn immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. This dish is delicious on its own, or served over rice or pasta.
What to Serve It With
This chicken zucchini corn is pretty versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of sides depending on the occasion.
For a Quick Weeknight Dinner: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a great addition.
For a Cozy Sunday Brunch: Serve it with a side of cheesy scrambled eggs and some toasted bread for dipping. You could even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
For a Light Lunch: Serve it in a bowl on its own, or with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. You could also add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.
In my family, we love to serve this dish with a side of garlic bread. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce, and it adds a nice touch of comfort to the meal. My grandma always served it with a side of buttered noodles, which is another one of my favorite ways to enjoy it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Zucchini Corn
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the perfect chicken zucchini corn every time:
Zucchini Prep: If your zucchini is particularly large, you may want to remove some of the seeds before dicing it. This will prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Also, don’t overcook the zucchini, or it will become mushy. You want it to be tender-crisp.
Mixing Advice: Make sure to whisk the chicken broth and flour together thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. This will prevent lumps from forming in the sauce. If you do end up with lumps, you can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in this recipe. Yellow squash, bell peppers, and mushrooms would all be great additions. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Baking Tips: While this recipe is primarily cooked on the stovetop, you can also bake it in the oven. Simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
Glaze Variations: Instead of the savory sauce, you could also try making a creamy sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Or, you could add a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
One mistake I made the first time I tried this recipe was not browning the chicken enough. Make sure to give the chicken a good sear before adding the vegetables. This will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Also, don’t be afraid to season the chicken and vegetables generously with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out their natural flavors.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This chicken zucchini corn stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer the leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating in the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite chicken zucchini corn recipe. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and packed with healthy vegetables. What more could you ask for? This really is a winning recipe, and I think you’ll find yourself making it again and again, especially during the summer months when zucchini and corn are at their peak.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other one-pan meals for more easy dinner ideas. I’m always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, so there’s sure to be something you’ll love.
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your chicken zucchini corn turns out! Please leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Also, feel free to share your own variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes!
Chicken Zucchini Corn
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 2 cups Zucchini, diced
- 1 cup Corn kernels
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dice chicken breast and zucchini.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add zucchini and corn to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
