This Easy Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is a warm and cozy dish! Juicy chicken is cooked with sweet corn in a creamy garlic butter sauce that makes every bite wonderful.
The best part? It’s quick to make, so you’ll have dinner ready in no time! I love serving it with rice or crusty bread to soak up that tasty sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for cooking quickly and evenly. If you want, you can substitute chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture.
Bacon: This adds a wonderful crunch and smokiness. If you prefer a healthier option, try turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a lighter dish.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a rich texture, but if you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk with some added creaminess, like coconut milk.
Corn: Fresh corn is best for flavor, but frozen corn works just as well. You could also use canned corn, just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the dish.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Searing the Chicken?
Searing chicken gives it a delicious brown crust. To achieve that, follow these steps:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create that nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This allows it to develop a crust.
Remember, patience is key! If you try to flip too soon, the chicken will stick.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Without Clumping?
To achieve a creamy sauce without clumping, follow these simple tips:
- Stir the cream and broth together gradually, allowing them to combine smoothly before adding to the pan.
- Make sure to keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Too high heat can cause the cream to separate.
Let the sauce simmer gently; it will thicken nicely as you mix in the corn and other ingredients.
These tips will help you master this Easy Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken, making the process enjoyable and the results delicious!
Easy Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs fresh thyme
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil or cooking oil, for cooking chicken
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes seasoning and cooking the chicken and bacon, then another 15-20 minutes combining everything together and letting it simmer. Quick and enjoyable for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps enhance the chicken’s flavor.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Make sure to leave the bacon fat in the skillet; it adds great flavor to the dish!
3. Sear the Chicken:
If needed, add a little olive oil or butter to the skillet. Sear the chicken breasts in the hot skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
5. Add the Corn:
Add the corn kernels to the skillet, stirring to combine them with the garlic butter.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Then, add the dried or fresh thyme for a lovely herby flavor.
7. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy corn sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken so it’s well coated.
9. Add the Bacon:
Sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces over the top. This adds crunch and flavor!
10. Final Simmer:
Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure everything is warmed through.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper before serving.
12. Enjoy:
Serve hot, alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread to soak up that creamy goodness!
This dish is not only comforting but is also a delightful mix of tender chicken, a rich garlicky creamed corn sauce, and crispy bits of bacon. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen corn, just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the skillet. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a bowl of warm water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. Note that using a substitute may slightly change the flavor and richness of the sauce, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the chicken and bacon, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat, make the sauce, and combine everything together!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. It tastes almost as good the next day!
