This Easy Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is a tasty dish that’s creamy and full of flavor! With juicy chicken and sweet corn, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
I love how simple it is to whip up as it cooks in one pan. Plus, the garlic butter makes everything smell amazing! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure—who can resist that combo? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, which tend to be juicier. Even pre-cooked chicken saves time!
Bacon: The bacon adds a delicious crunch and flavor. You can substitute turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a lighter meal. Smoked paprika can also provide a nice smoky flavor if you skip the bacon.
Fresh Corn: Fresh corn gives the best sweetness, but if it’s not available, frozen corn works perfectly too! Just make sure to thaw it before using, and you can save a bit of prep time.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter twist, you can use half-and-half or milk mixed with a bit of cream cheese. This will still give you that creaminess while reducing fat content. Non-dairy creamers can be used for dairy-free variations.
How Do I Make the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken right is key to getting that nice, juicy texture. Here’s how to ensure perfect chicken every time:
- Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking—this helps it cook evenly.
- Season well with salt and pepper, as it enhances the flavor before it meets the pan.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot enough to get a nice sear, but not so hot that it burns.
- Cook until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes on each side), then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Cooking:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- For the Creamed Corn Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything in one pan. It’s fast, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a lovely golden color when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Sizzle the bacon for about 5-7 minutes until it’s crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove it and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, pour out excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. If you feel it’s too dry, drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Now, add the chicken breasts, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat and add the butter to the skillet. Once it melts, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Careful not to burn it!
5. Prepare the Corn Mixture:
Add in the corn kernels and thyme leaves to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the corn is tender. While it cooks, stir occasionally.
6. Add Cream and Broth:
Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those delicious flavors blend together.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, sprinkle flour over the mixture. Whisk it in to avoid lumps and let it simmer for another 2 minutes until it thickens a bit.
8. Combine and Heat Through:
Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Spoon the creamed corn sauce over the chicken, letting everything warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
9. Final Touches:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an extra touch of flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious garlic butter creamed corn chicken hot with your favorite sides. This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, and you’ll love the combination of flavors!
Enjoy the rich, creamy corn paired with tender chicken and crispy bacon in this comforting one-pan meal!
FAQs for Easy Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand to ensure even cooking. You can run it under warm water in a colander or leave it in the fridge overnight.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamed Corn Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream for a Lighter Option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or rich, but still delicious!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. For a healthier option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or roasted greens to complement the flavors!
