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Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini

Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini
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Easy Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini is a vibrant and comforting dish featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon flavors and paired with fresh, slightly crunchy zucchini. This recipe is quick and simple to make, uses pantry staples, and offers a refreshing yet savory meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on

Citrus & Fresh Produce

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Pantry Staples & Spices

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning step enhances flavor and helps create a delicious crust during cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Flip the chicken and cook the other side briefly, then remove from the pan and set aside to lock in moisture.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Zucchini: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Then add sliced zucchini and cook until tender but still slightly crisp, providing a nice texture contrast.
  4. Add Lemon and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing the citrus flavors to infuse the dish.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve hot directly from the pan for a cozy, home-cooked meal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and to reduce drying out.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming.
  • Reserve pan juices after cooking to use as a flavorful sauce base.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks vibrance.
  • Cook zucchini just until tender to maintain a subtle, pleasant crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: asado chicken, lemon zucchini, easy chicken recipe, one pan chicken, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free dinner, quick chicken meal

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/asado-chicken-with-lemon-zucchini/