This Easy Asado Chicken is juicy and full of flavor, perfect for a family dinner. The chicken is cooked with spices that give it a tasty kick, while the sautéed lemon zucchini adds a zesty touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe, as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use thighs instead; they’re also wonderfully flavorful!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its lovely taste, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or any other cooking oil you like. Just avoid oils with strong flavors that might compete with the spices.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika contribute great flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but you’ll miss that smoky taste. Also, adjust the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance!
Zucchini: While this recipe uses zucchini, feel free to swap it with yellow squash or even bell peppers if you prefer. They’ll absorb the lemon flavor beautifully, too!
How Do I Cook Chicken for Maximum Flavor and Juiciness?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but follow these steps to help ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- Season your chicken generously with the spice mix. This creates a nice layer of flavor.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before putting in the chicken. This gives a great sear!
- Cook the chicken without moving it too much; it helps develop a nice color and texture.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked without being overdone; 165°F is the target!
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps the juices in, making it more tender.
With these tips and your fantastic ingredients, you’re on your way to making a delicious dinner! Enjoy the combination of spices and the zesty zucchini!
Easy Asado Chicken with Sauteed Lemon Zucchini
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into thick half-moons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish typically takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes gathering and seasoning your ingredients, and then about 15 minutes to cook everything to perfection. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will give your chicken a delicious flavor!
2. Season the Chicken:
Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, coat both sides of the chicken evenly with your prepared spice mixture. This will create a tasty crust when cooked.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Zucchini:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the zucchini pieces. Season the zucchini with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Add Lemon Flavor:
Once the zucchini is cooked, add the lemon zest and squeeze the juice of the lemon over the zucchini. Toss everything together to coat the zucchini evenly with the lemony goodness!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and serve them alongside the sautéed lemon zucchini. For the finishing touch, garnish your dish with chopped parsley or cilantro and add a few lemon slices for extra brightness.
Enjoy this flavorful, easy-to-make dish that beautifully combines zesty, tender chicken with fresh, lemony zucchini!
FAQ
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs for Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so you might even find you enjoy them more! Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and chili powder. You can also omit them entirely or substitute with sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika for a non-spicy option. Taste as you go to find what works best for you!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can season the chicken and even sauté the zucchini a few hours ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, cook the chicken and reheat the zucchini in a skillet to preserve its texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and zucchini in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of water or additional lemon juice can help prevent them from drying out while reheating.
