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Marinated Asado Chicken and Sautéed Lemon Zucchini Recipe

Marinated Asado Chicken and Sautéed Lemon Zucchini Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Marinated Asado Chicken and Sautéed Lemon Zucchini is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining citrus-marinated grilled chicken thighs with tender, zesty sautéed zucchini. The chicken is marinated in a tangy blend of orange, lime, garlic, and Mexican spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with bright lemon and red pepper flake-spiced zucchini sautéed in the reserved marinade, this recipe offers a well-balanced, delicious meal ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 2–3 pounds boneless chicken thighs
  • Juice and zest from one large orange
  • Juice and zest from one large or two small limes
  • 3 large cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 packets Sazón Seasoning with Coriander & Annatto
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sautéed Lemon Zucchini

  • 2 medium sized zucchini
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup reserved chicken marinade

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: Zest the orange and lime using a microplane. Then cut them in half and squeeze their juices into a blender or small food processor. Add the zest, garlic, white wine vinegar, olive oil, Sazón seasoning, ground coriander, kosher salt, smoked paprika, paprika, dried Mexican oregano, and ground black pepper. Blend everything until smooth. Set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade for the zucchini later.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or alternatively, place everything in a ziplock bag to marinate evenly.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your outdoor grill to 350°F. Grill the chicken covered for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest while you prepare the zucchini.
  4. Prepare the Zucchini: Trim the ends off the zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half crosswise, then lengthwise, and slice into half-moon shapes. Zest one lemon. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini slices and season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  5. Sauté the Zucchini: Cook the zucchini for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften but still retains some crunch. Pour in the reserved 1/4 cup marinade and continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Divide the sautéed zucchini into serving plates or bowls and top with the sliced chicken. Finish with an extra splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate fully.
  • If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
  • Reserve some marinade before adding chicken to use for sautéing zucchini to intensify the flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
  • Resting the chicken after grilling ensures juicier meat.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: asado chicken, marinated chicken, grilled chicken thighs, lemon zucchini, sautéed zucchini, Mexican chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, citrus marinade

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/marinated-asado-chicken-and-sauteed-lemon-zucchini-recipe/