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Asado chicken is not just a dish; it's a celebration of rich flavors and cultural heritage that originates from the heart of Latin America. This style of cooking, deeply rooted in tradition, transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that captivates the senses. The dish is characterized by its beautifully marinated chicken, often grilled or roasted to perfection, allowing the robust flavors to shine through. Paired with zesty sautéed lemon zucchini, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory and refreshing notes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Asado Chicken and Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

Discover the delicious combination of Asado Chicken and zesty sautéed lemon zucchini! This easy recipe features marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, bursting with flavors from smoked paprika, cumin, and orange juice. Pair it with vibrant lemon zucchini for a fresh twist. Perfect for dinner, this dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. Make it for your next meal and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Ingredients
  

For the Asado Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

For the Sautéed Lemon Zucchini:

4 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a large bowl, whisk together minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, orange juice, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

      - Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.

        Cook the Asado Chicken:

          - Preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.

            - Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.

              - Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                - Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. (Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired)

                  Prepare the Sautéed Lemon Zucchini:

                    - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

                      - Add the sliced zucchini and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender.

                        - Sprinkle with garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is fully tender but still vibrant green.

                          - Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.

                            Serve:

                              - On a plate, arrange a serving of sliced Asado chicken beside a generous helping of sautéed lemon zucchini.

                                - Drizzle any remaining juices from the skillet over the zucchini for extra flavor.

                                  Enjoy your flavorful Asado Chicken paired with bright and zesty lemon zucchini!

                                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4