Lemon Herb Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts lively and comforting, this Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini is about to win your heart. Juicy, spice-kissed chicken meets zingy lemon and meltingly tender zucchini, making every bite fresh, sunny, and completely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I adore how this recipe brings together just a handful of bright, bold ingredients to create absolute magic. Each component is there for a reason—whether it’s building deep flavor, adding a pop of color, or bringing a little citrus sparkle to your plate.

• Chicken breast: Lean, high-protein, and perfect for soaking up all those asado spices—try to select breasts of even thickness for the juiciest results.
• Zucchini: Diced and sautéed, zucchini brings tenderness and a gorgeous green contrast, soaking up the lemony pan juices beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Eight whole cloves make the flavor pop—don’t be shy, this really is the backbone of that irresistible aroma.
• Oregano: Dried oregano layers in earthiness and that beloved Mediterranean flair.
• Smoked paprika: This brings smokiness and warmth, instantly deepening the flavor profile.
• Cumin powder: For a subtle, almost nutty spice that pairs perfectly with lemon.
• Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and keeps the chicken ultra-moist during cooking.
• Lemon juice: The star! It brightens every bite and gives that familiar, sunny sparkle.
• Onion powder: Boosts the background savoriness—no peeling or dicing required.
• Chili flakes: This teensy addition gives just the right amount of excitement and heat.
• Olive oil: For luscious sautéing and marinating, plus more heart-healthy richness.
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Absolutely essential for bringing the whole dish into balance—taste and adjust as you go!

Variations

Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini is delightfully adaptable—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you want to dial up the spice, sneak in more veggies, or adjust for what’s in your pantry, this recipe easily takes on your favorite tweaks.

• Swap Zucchini for Summer Squash: Yellow squash turns this into a sunshine-bright dish and soaks up the marinade just as well.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For even richer flavor and extra-juicy meat, boneless thighs are a delicious alternative.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil at the end for a garden-fresh finish.
• Make it Spicier: Double the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat lovers!

How to Make Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Asado Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, cumin powder, chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, onion powder, oregano, minced garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. You want the mixture to be vibrant and fragrant—a quick taste will let you know if it’s lemony enough! Adjust with a squeeze more lemon or a tiny pinch of salt if needed.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, making sure each piece is fully coated in that glorious marinade. Cover and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better!), letting those flavors really mingle and penetrate the chicken. If you have time, you can prep the zucchini while the chicken marinates.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (don’t throw out that marinade—save it for later!) and lay them in the hot pan. Sear on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer pops up with 165ºF (74ºC). Set the chicken aside and tent with foil while you prepare the zucchini.

Step 4: Saute the Zucchini

Add the diced zucchini straight into the same skillet (no need to clean it!). Sauté for about 5–6 minutes, scraping up all the delicious browned bits left behind from the chicken. Pour in any reserved marinade and let it bubble for another minute or two, infusing the zucchini with savory, lemony goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Slice the chicken and serve over the warm, lemony sauteed zucchini, making sure to spoon over any pan juices. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon if you love that zippy freshness (I always do!). This, my friend, is Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini at its most vibrant.

How to Serve Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini

Garnishes

I love to scatter fresh chopped parsley or basil right over the top—those little flecks of green aren’t just pretty, they add a burst of herby freshness. A few paper-thin rounds of lemon or an extra sprinkle of chili flakes give the plate just the right amount of color and vibrancy.

Side Dishes

This recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides! Fluffy couscous, herbed quinoa, or even a bowl of simple garlic rice will help soak up those juicy pan drippings. For something light, try a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette—so perfect for warm evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini family-style on a big platter, layering the chicken slices over the zucchini and drizzling everything with extra pan juices. For an elegant touch, arrange each portion in a shallow bowl and top with microgreens, or serve as a main in wraps with a little yogurt sauce for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and zucchini together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend spooning a bit of the pan juices over everything to keep it moist and flavorful until you’re ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

This dish freezes best if you keep the chicken and zucchini separate. Place them in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the juiciest results.

Reheating

Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of extra chicken stock or lemon juice to refresh the flavors and keep the chicken tender. If using a microwave, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring the zucchini so it stays just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way Lemon-Garlic Asado Chicken with Sauteed Zucchini lights up both the table and your senses. I hope you give this delicious, zesty favorite a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and every bite will bring a burst of sunshine to your mealtime. Bon appétit!

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