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Garlic Butter Corn Chicken

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This garlic butter corn chicken is a one-skillet dinner packed with flavor from crispy bacon, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. Made in under an hour, it’s perfect for warm weather when you want something quick, cozy, and satisfying without turning on the oven. The creamy sauce blends garlic, parmesan, and a splash of white wine for richness that coats every bite. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or fresh greens for a complete meal that’s both indulgent and fresh.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:54:48 GMT
A close up of a dish with chicken, corn, and herbs. Bookmark
A close up of a dish with chicken, corn, and herbs. | ioanacooks.com

This one skillet recipe brings together the best of summer with sweet corn, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich garlic cream sauce. It is the ideal warm weather comfort food—hearty without being heavy. With no oven required and just under an hour to make, it is perfect for any weeknight.

I made this during one of the hottest July nights and it instantly became a favorite in my home. My family devoured it and asked for it again the next week.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and versatile they soak up all the flavor
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken
  • Fresh chopped thyme: Gives a fresh herby boost to the dish
  • Kosher salt and pepper: Enhances and balances all the ingredients
  • All purpose flour: Lightly coats the chicken for a perfect sear
  • Thick cut bacon: Adds smoky richness and texture
  • Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed
  • Butter: Gives the corn a silky finish and helps build flavor
  • Fresh corn kernels: Naturally sweet and juicy best when cut from the cob
  • Garlic minced or grated: Infuses the sauce with bold flavor
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat and contrast
  • Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity
  • Heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk or whole milk: Creates a rich creamy base choose your preference
  • Grated parmesan or Asiago cheese: Adds umami and a slightly nutty finish
  • Fresh basil: Brightens the dish and brings freshness

Step by Step Instructions

Crisp the Bacon:
Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crispy Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside
Sear the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt pepper and thyme then dredge in flour In the bacon fat plus a drizzle of olive oil sear chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden Remove and set aside
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft Stir in the butter and garlic cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant
Add the Corn and Spices:
Add fresh corn kernels and red pepper flakes Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until the corn begins to brown slightly
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the white wine scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet Simmer for 5 minutes until reduced slightly
Simmer the Chicken:
Return chicken to the skillet along with any juices Cover and simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked through
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in cream and cheese Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until the sauce is thick and coats the chicken well Stir in fresh basil and bacon right before serving
A dish of chicken with bacon and corn. Bookmark
A dish of chicken with bacon and corn. | ioanacooks.com

Fresh corn really makes the difference here I once made this with frozen kernels and while still tasty it missed that juicy sweetness you get from summer corn I also love how the cream and cheese combine into a sauce that clings to the chicken it is always a hit at my family table

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently over low heat adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have white wine use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice For dairy free use coconut milk and skip the cheese or add a plant based option

Serving Suggestions

Serve over quinoa brown rice or mashed potatoes For something lighter try spooning it over grilled zucchini or fresh arugula

A close up of a piece of chicken with bacon and corn. Bookmark
A close up of a piece of chicken with bacon and corn. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Inspiration

This dish draws on Southern style creamed corn recipes but modernizes them with parmesan garlic and fresh herbs It brings together rich flavors in a light summery way

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and stay tender during cooking.

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

Use chicken broth or a mix of broth and lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option with good flavor balance.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to one month.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist.

Garlic Butter Corn Chicken

One-skillet garlic butter chicken with corn, bacon, and herbs for an easy summer dinner.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (1 skillet meal serving 4)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Ingredient 02 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient 03 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
Ingredient 04 Kosher salt to taste
Ingredient 05 Ground black pepper to taste
Ingredient 06 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
Ingredient 07 4 slices thick cut bacon chopped
Ingredient 08 1 small yellow onion chopped
Ingredient 09 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Ingredient 10 4 ears corn kernels removed
Ingredient 11 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
Ingredient 12 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredient 13 0.75 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Ingredient 14 0.5 cup heavy cream or full fat coconut milk or whole milk
Ingredient 15 0.5 cup grated parmesan or Asiago cheese
Ingredient 16 Fresh basil chopped for garnish

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 02

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden on both sides, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add butter, onion, corn, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until corn is golden and fragrant.

Step 04

Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 05

Reduce heat and stir in cream and parmesan. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until sauce is thickened slightly.

Step 06

Garnish with bacon and fresh basil before serving hot.

Extra Tips

  1. Use a mix of cream and cheese for a richer sauce or coconut milk for a dairy-free variation.
  2. Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works in a pinch.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Slotted spoon

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cream and cheese
  • Contains gluten from all-purpose flour

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 630
  • Total Fat: 38 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 26 grams
  • Protein Amount: 45 grams