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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 flavorful, quick-to-make one-pan meal that combines tender, smoky chicken thighs with bright lemon and fresh zucchini. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, it offers a healthy, balanced dish with vibrant, harmonious flavors and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds or half-moons
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until evenly blended, creating a fragrant and tangy marinade that will infuse the chicken perfectly.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is coated thoroughly. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to soak in the flavors.
  3. Prepare the zucchini: While the chicken marinates, slice the zucchini into thick rounds or half-moons for a nice bite-sized texture. Toss them lightly with olive oil, salt, and a touch of black pepper to maintain their natural brightness during cooking.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Add zucchini and finish cooking: Once the chicken is nearly done, add the zucchini slices to the pan. Stir gently to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until zucchini is tender but still vibrant. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken and zucchini to keep everything juicy and flavorful.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer marinating enhances flavor.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to achieve crispy skin without drying out the chicken.
  • Cut zucchini uniformly for even cooking and better presentation.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Nutrition

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

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