Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that will turn your weeknight dinners into a feast – Asado Chicken Breast Lemon Zucchini! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The marriage of juicy chicken breasts marinated in smoky and citrusy goodness, paired with sautéed lemon-kissed zucchini, is a match made in food heaven.

When the aroma of smoked paprika fills your kitchen, you know something delicious is about to happen. The memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings come rushing back with every sizzle in the pan. The zesty marinade gives the chicken a flavorful character, while the zucchini adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish. This Asado Chicken Breast Lemon Zucchini recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

Whether you’re looking to break out of a chicken rut or impress your guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The versatility of this dish allows for easy swaps and additions to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the smoky goodness of the classic asado flavors right in your own kitchen. Don’t forget that final squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten up this delectable dish even more.

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful marinade with smoked paprika and citrusy lemon enhances plain chicken
• Quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile – can be made with different vegetables and spice levels to suit personal preferences
• Leftovers stay fresh and flavorful, with zucchini absorbing even more flavors the next day

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful Marinade: The smoky, tangy marinade gives plain chicken real character and makes the dish come alive with a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and delivers a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily switch up the vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe for any season or preference.
• Memorable Aroma: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and lemon creates a nostalgic aroma that will transport you to summer barbecues and family gatherings.
• Leftovers Stay Fresh: The dish can be stored and reheated without compromising the tenderness of the chicken, allowing you to enjoy it for a few days after cooking.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes or using hot smoked paprika for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meal.
• Indoor Grilling: Enjoy the taste of outdoor grilling flavors right from your skillet, bringing a touch of tradition and nostalgia to your kitchen.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve the chicken and zucchini over rice, quinoa, or couscous, drizzled with extra marinade for added flavor. Pair it with a refreshing arugula salad and Greek yogurt for a harmonious meal.
• Marinating Tips: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
• Cooking Tips: Saute over medium-low heat, adding the zucchini last to retain a slight crispiness. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the dish beautifully.

Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe

For the Asado Chicken Breast

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 60 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 60 ml chicken stock
• 1.5 kg boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 60 ml olive oil, plus extra for cooking

For the Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

• Reserved chicken marinade
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• 2 to 3 medium zucchini, diced
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Pro Tips for Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe

To make the most flavorful Asado chicken breast with lemon zucchini, ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste. If time allows, marinating overnight will infuse the chicken with rich flavors. Don’t hesitate to use boneless chicken thighs for added juiciness, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. While smoked paprika is key to the authentic taste, regular paprika or a touch of chili powder can be substituted if needed.

When sautéing the dish, cook over medium-low heat and add the zucchini last to retain a slight crispness. Stirring often will help distribute the flavors evenly. Before serving, give a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the dish and enhance the citrusy notes. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it by swapping zucchini for other veggies like yellow squash, asparagus, or green beans, and experimenting with different herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

Combine smoked paprika, cumin, chicken stock, lemon juice, onion powder, oregano, minced garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, whisk until mixture is well combined.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Coat chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring all sides are covered. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Cook Chicken Breasts

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Cook chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 74°C, about 15 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Saute Zucchini

Add diced zucchini to the skillet with salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Sauté over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the remaining marinade and cook for another 3–4 minutes until zucchini is tender and sauce has reduced slightly, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Divide sautéed zucchini and sauce among plates. Slice cooked chicken breasts and place over zucchini. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately, adding extra lemon juice to taste.

Storage Tips

Once the Asado chicken breast with sautéed lemon zucchini is cooked and there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the tenderness of the chicken when reheating, do so gently over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out. The zucchini will enhance in flavor as it absorbs more seasonings over time, potentially becoming even tastier the next day.

If you want to customize the dish further, feel free to substitute zucchini with yellow squash, asparagus, green beans, or other vegetables of your choice, maintaining the same sautéing duration. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil in place of oregano, or try a bit of lime juice if lemons are unavailable. For extra heat, increase the chili flakes or swap smoked paprika for hot smoked paprika. Remember to drizzle extra marinade over the dish for added flavor or serve with a side of arugula salad and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can easily substitute it with yellow squash, asparagus, or green beans following the same sauté timing to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile. Additionally, if you’re out of oregano, fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be used as substitutes to add a different but equally delicious herbal note to the dish. Lime juice can also be used instead of lemon juice for a unique citrus twist if lemons are unavailable.

For those who prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes in the marinade or swap out the regular paprika for hot smoked paprika to dial up the heat level. Boneless chicken thighs can be a great alternative to chicken breasts, offering a juicy and flavorful result. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the chicken thighs. Remember to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor absorption, or for even better results, marinate overnight if time allows.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with this Asado Chicken Breast Lemon Zucchini recipe, try plating the tender chicken breasts on a bed of fluffy couscous, allowing the zesty lemon-kissed zucchini to peek out from the side. Drizzle extra marinade over the dish for added depth of flavor and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant presentation. To add a refreshing contrast, serve a side of Greek yogurt on top, adding a harmonious and cooling element to the smoky, citrusy flavors of the dish.

Another creative idea is to assemble a colorful platter with the Asado chicken breasts and lemon zucchini alongside a big arugula salad tossed with more lemon juice. The peppery arugula will complement the smoky, tangy flavors of the dish, while the additional squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the brightness of the meal. This presentation not only offers a beautiful contrast of colors but also provides a well-rounded dining experience with a mix of textures and flavors.

FAQs for Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and will also stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time as needed for thicker pieces.

Can I substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or chili powder?

Regular paprika or a touch of chili powder can substitute, but smoked paprika gives the most authentic flavor.

How should I cook the lemon zucchini to ensure it stays slightly crisp?

Saute over medium-low heat and add the zucchini last. Stir often and remove from heat while still slightly crisp.

Why is a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice recommended before serving?

Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully, so a final squeeze is highly recommended before serving.

Conclusion

Asado Chicken Breast Lemon Zucchini is a dish that never fails to bring a burst of flavor and freshness to the dinner table. The combination of smoky, tangy chicken with zesty sautéed zucchini is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by trying different vegetables, herbs, or spices. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meals, Asado Chicken Breast Lemon Zucchini is sure to impress. So fire up the skillet, embrace those smoky aromas, and enjoy a delicious meal that will transport you to a sunny barbecue in no time.

Grilled Lemon Zucchini Chicken Breast Recipe

Smoky Asado Chicken Breast with Lemon Zucchini: Juicy chicken marinated in a smoky citrus blend, paired with sautéed zucchini for a bright, flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineLatin American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Asado Chicken Breast

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 60 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 60 ml chicken stock
• 1.5 kg boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 60 ml olive oil, plus extra for cooking

For the Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

• Reserved chicken marinade
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• 2 to 3 medium zucchini, diced
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: Combine smoked paprika, cumin, chicken stock, lemon juice, onion powder, oregano, minced garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, whisk until mixture is well combined.
2. Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring all sides are covered. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
3. Cook Chicken Breasts: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Cook chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 74°C, about 15 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Saute Zucchini: Add diced zucchini to the skillet with salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Sauté over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the remaining marinade and cook for another 3–4 minutes until zucchini is tender and sauce has reduced slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Assemble and Serve: Divide sautéed zucchini and sauce among plates. Slice cooked chicken breasts and place over zucchini. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately, adding extra lemon juice to taste.