Description
This Asado Chicken with Lemon Zucchini is a zesty, smoky, and wholesome dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Packed with citrus, garlic, and bold Latin spices, it’s served with a sautéed zucchini side that tastes like summer.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
2 medium zucchini, sliced
2 cloves garlic (for sauté), minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil
Instructions
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, vinegar, and citrus juice.
Rub the marinade onto the chicken, including under the skin. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
Transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest covered for 5–8 minutes.
In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Add zucchini slices, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add lemon zest and juice. Cook for 1 more minute.
Serve chicken with zucchini on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
Boneless thighs can be used for quicker cooking. Add cherry tomatoes or corn for a seasonal twist. Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté + Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Latin-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with zucchini
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Asado chicken with lemon zucchini, citrus marinated chicken, weeknight chicken recipe, zucchini side dish