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Easy Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini Sauté Recipe

Easy Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini Sauté Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

This Easy Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini Sauté is a flavorful, aromatic dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection and served alongside a zesty, vibrant zucchini sauté. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines bold spices with fresh citrus notes for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Asado Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

For The Lemon Zucchini Sauté:

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Asado Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, and lime juice. Stir well to create a fragrant marinade!
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs and rub the marinade all over them, making sure to also get under the skin for extra flavor. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
  4. Finish Cooking: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes to retain its juices while you prepare the zucchini sauté.
  6. Make the Lemon Zucchini Sauté: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.
  8. Stir in the Zesty Lemon: Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, cooking for another minute to blend the flavors beautifully.
  9. Serve: Plate the chicken thighs alongside the lemon zucchini sauté. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
  10. Enjoy! This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad to complete your meal. Enjoy your delicious Easy Asado Chicken!

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; for best flavor, marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the zucchini sauté for desired spice level.
  • Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asado chicken, lemon zucchini sauté, easy chicken recipe, marinated chicken thighs, quick weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, Latin American chicken, pan-seared chicken

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/easy-asado-chicken-with-lemon-zucchini-saute-recipe/