When sweet summer corn meets juicy chicken and rich garlic butter sauce, something magical happens. This Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is a cozy yet fresh one-skillet dinner that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. With layers of crispy bacon, golden seared chicken, and a creamy parmesan corn sauce, it’s comfort food made for warm evenings.
This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, uses only one pan, and doesn’t require turning on the oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without a lot of cleanup.
For other skillet favorites, check out our Effortless Dinner: Sheet Pan Sausage and Summer Vegetables or Savory Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup for a cozy pairing.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish balances savory, sweet, and creamy all in one skillet. The chicken is dredged in a light coating of flour and seared until golden. It’s simmered with fresh corn, garlic, white wine, and a touch of cream for a sauce that’s both indulgent and summery.
The addition of bacon adds smoky flavor, while parmesan cheese and fresh herbs finish the dish with a rich and aromatic touch. You can serve this over rice, quinoa, or a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
It’s a flexible recipe too—swap out the chicken for scallops or shrimp, or make it meatless by skipping the bacon and doubling up on the corn and herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme (plus more for garnish)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ears fresh corn, kernels removed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk, or whole milk
- ½ cup grated parmesan or Asiago cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Need a dish with similar flavors but vegetarian? Try our Deliciously Grilled Eggplant with Zucchini and Feta or Vibrant Sweet Corn and Bell Pepper Salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Dredge the Chicken
Start by rubbing the chicken with one tablespoon of olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the chicken and toss until each piece is lightly coated. This light dusting helps the chicken develop a golden crust and gives the sauce a silky texture later.
2. Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave some of the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
Add the floured chicken pieces to the hot skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics and Corn
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the butter, corn kernels, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the corn starts to caramelize slightly.
5. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the wine (or broth) and ½ cup of water to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Return the chicken to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook together for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in the cream and parmesan. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce is rich and velvety. Remove from heat and stir in the crispy bacon.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil and more thyme before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet.
Looking for something to serve with this? A simple green salad or Delicious Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella would be perfect on the side.
Tips for the Best Creamed Corn Chicken
- Use fresh corn for the best texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Deglaze properly with wine or broth to lift all the flavor from the pan.
- Don’t overcook the cream—once added, simmer briefly to prevent it from curdling.
- Add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-loaded version.
- Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
For another creamy skillet favorite, try our Creamy Passion Fruit and Mango Chia Pudding for dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
This dish also makes a great next-day lunch. Try it over leftover rice or on top of toasted sourdough bread with a side of Roasted Tomato Garlic Bruschetta.
Serving Ideas
Here are a few serving suggestions that complement the creamy garlic butter sauce:
- Serve over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Pair with roasted or grilled vegetables.
- Add it to a grain bowl with Black Bean and Corn Salsa.
- Enjoy with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
What Readers Are Saying
Hundreds of home cooks have raved about this dish, calling it “the perfect summer comfort food” and “easy yet impressive.” Many have added their own twists—like lemon zest, mushrooms, or serving it over cauliflower gnocchi.
This recipe is highly adaptable and forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative with whatever you have on hand.
More One-Pan Favorites to Try
- Mouthwatering Chicken Veggie Quesadillas
- Delicious Batch-Cooked Chicken Breast for Salads
- Savory BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches
- Delicious Apple Slices with Nut Butter Dip
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken is a dreamy summer dinner that tastes like it took hours, but it’s simple enough for any night of the week. With layers of flavor from bacon, herbs, parmesan, and sweet corn, this dish delivers comfort without the heaviness.
It’s a skillet meal that turns everyday ingredients into something you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it over grains or with crusty bread, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone at the table satisfied.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment or tag @alexandrarecipes so we can see how it turned out for you. We love hearing from our readers and seeing your creations in the kitchen.