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Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini

Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini
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Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini is a vibrant and simple dish featuring juicy, smoky grilled chicken paired with lemon-infused zucchini. This recipe balances zesty citrus notes with savory asado flavors, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a healthy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on recommended for extra crispiness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade and cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Zucchini

  • 2 medium fresh zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: chili flakes or sliced green onions for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed and fragrant. This blend gives the chicken its signature asado flavor with a citrusy zing.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours in the refrigerator. This infuses the meat with smoky, lemony goodness, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
  3. Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini thinly and toss with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside so the zucchini starts to absorb the bright lemon flavor, complementing the chicken perfectly.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and crisp. This creates the irresistible asado-style caramelization that locks in juices.
  5. Sauté the Zucchini: In a hot skillet, quickly sauté the zucchini for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still retaining some bite. This preserves the fresh texture and releases the zesty lemon aroma.
  6. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the chicken and zucchini on a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro, and add a final drizzle of olive oil or an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Notes

  • Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
  • Don’t Overcook: Monitor the chicken carefully to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best brightness.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Check internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Rest the Chicken: Let cooked chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to seal in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: asado chicken, lemon zucchini, grilled chicken recipe, quick healthy dinner, citrus chicken, smoky chicken, easy chicken recipe

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