Chicken Zucchini Olé Recipes

CRISPY PAN-SEARED CHICKEN AND ZUCCHINI WITH OLIVES AND LEMON

Steps:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using the tip of your knife, deeply score cut sides in a crosshatch pattern, spacing about 1/2" apart. Toss zucchini and 1 tsp. salt in a colander set over a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels (discard any liquid in bowl).
• Meanwhile, coat a large cast-iron skillet with 1 Tbsp oil. Season chicken on all sides with 1/4 tsp. pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and arrange in cold skillet (skin side down) in a single layer. Heat over medium and cook, undisturbed, until skin is deep golden brown and chicken is almost cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Turn chicken and continue to cook just until cooked through and lightly browned underneath, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter (skin side up).
• Arrange zucchini (cut side down) in hot chicken fat in skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until surfaces are charred, 6-8 minutes. Turn and continue to cook until skin side is browned, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to platter with chicken.
• Heat garlic and remaining 6 Tbsp. oil in a small saucepan over medium until garlic is sizzling and just barely beginning to brown, 3-4 minutes. Add chile and olives and cook, stirring occasionally, until chile starts to sizzle and brown slightly, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in oregano and lemon zest.
• Spoon garlic oil over zucchini and chicken. Squeeze some lemon juice over and serve with additional wedges alongside.

CHICKEN ZUCCHINI OLé

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Slice each chicken thigh into thin strips. Heat oil in skillet; add chicken strips, onion and jalapeno (if using), and sauté, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until no pink remains in chicken; drain excess liquid. In a bowl, mix together cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic. Add chicken/onion mixture and zucchini to bowl, and toss to coat with the seasoning mixture; set aside.
• Dissolve bouillon cube in hot water to make a broth. Place rice in bottom of 2-quart baking dish. Pour broth over rice, and stir. Spread rice to cover bottom of baking dish.
• Spread seasoned chicken/zucchini mixture on top of rice, top with a layer of salsa, then sprinkle sliced olives over salsa.
• Cover baking dish and bake in oven at 350° for 45 minutes, or until chicken and zucchini are thoroughly cooked and rice is soft. Remove lid, sprinkle the top with cheese and return baking dish to oven (uncovered) for another 5-10 minutes, or until cheese starts to melt.

BAKED CHICKEN AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Beat egg, water, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Set 2 tablespoons bread crumbs aside; pour remaining bread crumbs into a large resealable plastic bag. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then place in bag and shake to coat.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken in skillet until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pan. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet; cook and stir zucchini and garlic over medium heat until zucchini is slightly tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons reserved bread crumbs over zucchini. Top with tomato slices, 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, and basil. Place chicken on top of zucchini layer. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake in preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Uncover and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.