Easy Asado Chicken With Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I prefer using thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but boneless chicken breasts work just fine. If you want a leaner option, you can also use turkey cutlets.

Smoked Paprika: This gives the chicken a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have any, regular paprika suffices, but you can add a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth.

Zucchini: You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or even asparagus for a different taste and texture!

Olive Oil: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap olive oil for a cooking spray or use avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point.

How Can I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?

Grilling chicken is simpler than it looks. To keep it juicy and flavorful, follow these steps:

• Marinate: As mentioned, give your chicken plenty of time to soak up the marinade—this is key for flavor.
• Preheat: Ensure your grill is hot before putting the chicken on, which helps to sear the outside and lock in juices.
• Don’t Flip Too Soon: Let the chicken cook for the recommended time before flipping to get those lovely grill marks.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (75°C). This way, you avoid dry meat.

Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this delicious Asado Chicken with refreshing lemon zucchini!

Easy Asado Chicken With Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

Ingredients:

For the Asado Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauteed Lemon Zucchini:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes of cooking time, depending on your grill or stovetop. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 30-40 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder or cayenne, lime or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This is your asado marinade that will add flavor to the chicken.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

3. Preheat the Grill:

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the chicken properly.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s done when it’s fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

5. Sauté the Zucchini:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.

6. Cook the Zucchini:

Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp—this keeps it fresh and delicious!

7. Finish the Dish:

Once the zucchini is cooked, stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After that, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if you like.

8. Serve:

Plate the grilled asado chicken alongside the sautéed lemon zucchini. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, easy, and fresh meal!

Bon appétit!

FAQ for Easy Asado Chicken With Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, but make sure to completely thaw the chicken before marinating and grilling. You can thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water if you’re short on time.

What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?

If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can substitute it with yellow squash or even asparagus. Both alternatives will work well and provide a similar fresh taste when sautéed!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm the chicken and zucchini gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture.

Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Mixing it with the chicken shortly before cooking will still yield great results, and it saves you time on busy days!