One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in garlic butter with fresh zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes for a flavorful, effortless dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, searing for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium sliced zucchini rounds and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat in garlic butter. Cook for 5 minutes until zucchini is tender and tomatoes start to soften.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano over everything, and cook together for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Finish by sprinkling 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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