This recipe for Asado Chicken and Sautéed Lemon Zucchini delivers a perfect harmony of bold, smoky flavors and fresh, zesty notes. Inspired by Latin flavors, the juicy, spice-rubbed chicken thighs are complemented by the bright and tangy zucchini, making it a well-rounded meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and vibrant taste.
Ingredients:
For the Asado Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Sautéed Lemon Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides. Drizzle the chicken with fresh lemon juice and white vinegar.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis into rounds and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and season with dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the zucchini with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Toss to combine.
Conclusion:
This Asado Chicken and Sautéed Lemon Zucchini is a dynamic duo that combines smoky, well-seasoned chicken with light and refreshing zucchini. The flavors are bold yet balanced, making this dish perfect for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Serve it as is or pair it with a side of rice or salad for a complete dinner. This recipe is as easy to make as it is to savor—try it tonight and elevate your meal game!
Asado Chicken and Sautéed Lemon Zucchini
Ingredients
For the Asado Chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro optional
For the Sautéed Lemon Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides. Drizzle the chicken with fresh lemon juice and white vinegar.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis into rounds and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add the zucchini slices to the skillet and season with dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the zucchini with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Toss to combine.