This Easy Asado Chicken is a flavorful dish that features tender chicken marinated in a mix of spices. It’s simply grilled to juicy perfection and served with bright, sautéed lemon zucchini!
Trust me, the zucchini shines with its zesty lemon twist! It’s quick to make and pairs perfectly with the chicken, making it a favorite in my house for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it simple and are easy to cook. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for marinating and cooking, but you could swap it with avocado oil or melt some butter if you want a rich taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika will do. Cumin gives it warmth; don’t skip it! For a kick, adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is light and flavorful. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash or bell peppers could work as tasty substitutes.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you only have bottled lemon juice, use that, but I find fresh makes a big difference!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about marinating and cooking the right way. The marinade not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to marinate for at least 20 minutes; longer is better for deeper flavor!
- Cook on medium-high heat. This gives a good sear while keeping the inside juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; 165°F (74°C) is your goal!
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those juices in.
How Can I Get Perfectly Sautéed Zucchini?
Sautéing zucchini to perfection can sometimes be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll have golden, tender pieces every time:
- Cut zucchini into chunks of even size to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can make them steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Stir occasionally and ensure they get a nice golden color that brings out their sweetness.
- Finish with lemon zest and juice at the end to preserve their flavor and color.
Easy Asado Chicken with Sauteed Lemon Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Asado Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Sauteed Lemon Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Totaling around 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and fresh meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Asado Chicken Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This marinade packs in the flavor! Rub it all over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes—feel free to pop them in the fridge for up to 2 hours for more flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown and cooked all the way through (make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Once finished, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Prepare the Sauteed Lemon Zucchini:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—careful not to burn it! Next, toss in the zucchini chunks. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir occasionally and cook until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, cooking for an additional minute to blend the flavors together. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed.
4. Plate and Serve:
Time to serve! Arrange the sliced asado chicken and the sautéed lemon zucchini on a plate or serving bowl. Garnish with extra parsley and some lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious, fresh meal!
This dish perfectly combines the smoky, spiced chicken with bright, lemony zucchini, making for a light and satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and can be even juicier than breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftover Asado Chicken and Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken in advance, storing it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking. The sautéed zucchini is best made fresh, but you could prep the zucchini by chopping it ahead of time!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it over rice, quinoa, or with a side salad. It’s also delicious with warm tortillas for a fresh taco experience!
