Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight meal featuring smoky, seared chicken thighs and roasted zucchini. This dish delivers deep, savory flavors with crispy skin and tender vegetables in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons or chunks
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for zucchini)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Rub spices in well.
- Wash zucchini and trim ends. Cut into uniform half-moon slices or chunks. Toss in a bowl with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers.
- Place chicken thighs in the pan skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Do not move.
- Flip chicken and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes until mostly cooked through. If pan is dry, add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam.
- Push chicken to one side. Add zucchini to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
- Mix chicken and zucchini together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken is thoroughly dried before seasoning to achieve crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Zucchini cooks quickly, so watch it closely to prevent mushiness. The lemon juice is essential for balancing the rich, smoky flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh and
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: asado chicken, one pan meal, zucchini recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, weeknight meals, gluten-free, dairy-free