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Let's gather the ingredients for Lemon Asado Chicken. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. Here’s what you need: - 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 lemons (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Each ingredient adds a unique touch. The chicken thighs keep the meal juicy. Olive oil brings richness, while lemons add a bright zing. Garlic gives depth and soy sauce adds umami. Honey balances the flavors perfectly. Smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano spice things up. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Finally, parsley adds freshness and color when you serve it. Now that you have everything, you're ready to make a delicious Lemon Asado Chicken! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup olive oil - Juice and zest from 3 lemons - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these well until they blend smoothly. Next, add the chicken thighs. Make sure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover your bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least one hour. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). If grilling, remove the chicken from the marinade. Let excess marinade drip off, but keep it for basting. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade. If baking, arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Baste with the marinade halfway through. Look for a golden brown color to know they are done. Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. For garnishing, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor. Serve it on a platter with lemon wedges. Enjoy your tasty Lemon Asado Chicken! - For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. - I recommend marinating overnight. This gives the flavors time to blend. - Store the marinating chicken in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and safe. - To get crispy skin, cook the chicken skin-side down first. - Grill for 6-7 minutes before flipping. This helps the skin become golden. - Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. - Lemon Asado Chicken pairs well with grilled veggies or a fresh salad. - For a great look, serve on a large platter with lemon wedges. - Add a sprinkle of parsley for a colorful touch. This makes the dish pop! Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Get Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, start grilling the chicken skin-side down and avoid moving it too much during cooking. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the taste of Lemon Asado Chicken. Try mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs add a nice touch. You can also use spices like chili flakes for heat. For a different flavor, try a marinade with yogurt for a tangy twist. If you want to change how you cook this dish, consider using a slow cooker. This method makes the chicken very tender. Just add the marinated chicken and cook on low for 6-7 hours. You can also use an air fryer. Cook the chicken at 375°F for about 25 minutes. This gives you crispy skin with less oil. You can modify this dish to fit different diets. If you need it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. This keeps the flavor without gluten. For a low-sugar version, skip the honey or use a sugar substitute. You can still enjoy the flavors without the extra sugar. Lemon Asado Chicken can last up to four days in the fridge. To store it properly, place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any odors from other foods. If you have leftover marinade, you can store it in a separate container. Just make sure to use it within two days. To freeze Lemon Asado Chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This will protect it from freezer burn and keep it fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot. This usually takes about 20 minutes. If you prefer grilling, heat your grill and cook it until warm, basting with the reserved marinade. This adds extra flavor and moisture. What can I substitute for chicken thighs? You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Both options work well. Just adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts may cook faster, while drumsticks may take longer. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh juice gives a better taste. The zest from fresh lemons adds a nice flavor too. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. What wines pair well with Lemon Asado Chicken? White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair nicely. These wines balance the lemony flavor well. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works too. What salad goes best with this dish? A simple green salad with mixed greens is perfect. Add cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This keeps the meal fresh and light. Can this dish be prepared ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance. This makes the flavors stronger. Just store it in the fridge until ready to cook. How to reheat leftovers effectively? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry it out. In this blog, we covered making Lemon Asado Chicken with simple ingredients. We went through marinade preparation, cooking methods, and garnishing ideas. You learned tips for marinating and cooking that enhance flavor and texture. To wrap up, this dish is versatile and easy to adjust to your taste. Whether you grill or bake, Lemon Asado Chicken brings delight to your table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving it with sides you love.

Lemon Asado Chicken

A flavorful grilled or baked chicken dish marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs chicken, skin-on and bone-in
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 3 whole lemons, zested and juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.
  • If grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade.
  • If baking, place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, basting with the marinade halfway through, until cooked thoroughly and golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Keyword asado, chicken, grilled, lemon