Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken nestles alongside zucchini, corn, and ravioli in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary creation. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a quick weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1.5 cups corn kernels (cooked, about 3 corn ears)
- 8 oz (226 g) ravioli (store-bought, frozen or refrigerated)
- 4 tbsps butter, divided
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for vegetables)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for chicken)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boiling Ravioli: Submerge ravioli in boiling water, cooking according to package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve for later incorporation.
- Zucchini Preparation: Sizzle zucchini slices in a hot cast-iron skillet with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and slightly caramelized, then transfer to a holding plate.
- Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Coat chicken strips with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear in the same skillet over medium-high heat, allowing each side to develop a rich, crispy exterior without moving for several minutes.
- Flavor Infusion: Lower heat and introduce minced garlic, lime juice, and butter. Stir continuously to create a luxurious, aromatic sauce that embraces the chicken with complex flavor profiles.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold zucchini and corn kernels into the chicken, adding remaining butter to create a glossy, cohesive garlic butter sauce that binds all ingredients together.
- Final Assembly: Remove skillet from heat and gently fold in cooked ravioli, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated with the vibrant, herb-infused sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a delicate sprinkle of chili powder, transforming the dish into a visually stunning and flavor-packed culinary creation.
Notes
- Maximize Flavor Layering: Use the same skillet for each ingredient to capture and build rich, complex tastes without washing between steps.
- Prevent Overcooking Chicken: Allow chicken to cook undisturbed initially to develop a golden-brown crust and lock in moisture.
- Optimize Zucchini Texture: Sauté zucchini quickly on high heat to maintain a crisp-tender bite and prevent mushiness.
- Balance Sauce Consistency: Stir butter and lime juice gently over low heat to create a smooth, glossy sauce that evenly coats all ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 499
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg