This Easy Asado Chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, and it pairs perfectly with zesty lemon zucchini sauté. It’s a tasty dish that makes your mouth water just thinking about it!
I love how the lemon adds a bright kick to the zucchini. It’s like a little party for your taste buds! Plus, it’s super simple to make—great for any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for this dish, as they stay juicy and flavorful when cooked. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just reduce the cooking time.
Olive Oil: This is a key ingredient for sautéing and marinating. If you’re out of olive oil, don’t worry! You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying. However, olive oil adds a nice flavor to the chicken.
Spices: The mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano adds depth to the chicken. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. Feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder or Italian seasoning!
Zucchini: If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can be a great substitute. Both have similar textures and flavors. You could even mix different veggies, like bell peppers or asparagus, for variety.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor to the zucchini. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will do. Or, use lime juice for a twist!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin?
To achieve crispy skin on your chicken, the initial searing is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet to ensure the skin crisps up quickly. This helps render down the fat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to maintain that high heat.
- Leave the skin-side down without moving it for the first 5-7 minutes—this allows it to brown nicely.
- Once flipped, keep the heat moderate to cook through without burning the skin.
Letting the chicken rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and delicious!
Easy Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini Sauté
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you should set aside about 45 minutes, including marinating time. If you prefer a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before cooking!
Step-by-Step 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. Don’t forget to get under the skin for extra flavor. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, pop it in the fridge for up to 4 hours for even more 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 fully cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
5. Rest the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate. This helps keep it juicy while you prepare the zucchini!
6. Make the Lemon Zucchini Sauté:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, 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 into the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still a bit 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:
Place the chicken thighs on a plate alongside the lemon zucchini sauté. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you like!
10. Enjoy!
This flavorful dish goes wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad to round out your meal. Enjoy your delicious Easy Asado Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini Sauté
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just remember to reduce the cooking time since they will cook faster—aim for about 10-15 minutes instead of the longer cooking time required for bone-in thighs!
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, yellow squash works well as an alternative. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus for added variety. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the vegetables you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes to the zucchini sauté or incorporate diced jalapeños into the marinade. You can also serve with a spicy sauce on the side for an extra kick!
