SKILLET CHICKEN AND ZUCCHINI WITH CHARRED SCALLION SALSA

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Skillet Chicken and Zucchini With Charred Scallion Salsa image

Baked chicken breasts have a reputation for being dry, but pan-searing bone-in, skin-on breasts before roasting them helps them render their fat. It also forms a protective coating, develops a crisp, deep-golden skin and adds an extra layer of flavor. In this one-pot recipe, zucchini is tossed with the rendered chicken fat, and everything cooks together in the oven. Swap in any seasonal, quick-roasting vegetable for the zucchini, like cherry tomatoes or asparagus, but don't skip the charred scallion and jalapeño salsa. The zingy lime, grassy herbs and barely there brown sugar really make this dish sing. If cilantro isn't your thing, basil makes a fine replacement, or try a combination of the two. Alongside? Steamed rice would be nice.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     dinner, weekday, poultry, vegetables, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 3 to 3 1/2 pounds), at room temperature
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
1 1/2 pounds zucchini (3 to 4 medium zucchini), quartered lengthwise, then halved crosswise
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced, seeded if you prefer
1 bunch scallions (about 7 or 8 scallions), trimmed and halved crosswise
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
Flaky sea salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Pat the chicken very dry and season generously all over with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the canola or grapeseed oil in a 12-inch cast-iron pan or other large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken, skin side down, and cook undisturbed until skin turns golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook another 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  • Remove the pan from the heat. Add the zucchini and stir to coat in the chicken fat. Season with salt and pepper. Do your best to arrange the zucchini in an even layer (some overlap is O.K.). Place the chicken, skin side up, on top of the zucchini, transfer to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the salsa: In a medium bowl, stir together the lime juice and jalapeño; set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the scallions and cook, tossing frequently, until they begin to brown and char in spots, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside. When cool enough to touch, finely chop the scallions and toss them with the lime mixture. Stir in the cilantro, olive oil and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Season to taste with salt.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a plate or a cutting board for about 5 minutes. If you want your zucchini more golden, pop it back in the oven while the chicken rests. Slice the chicken, if desired, and return it to the pan or serve it on the bone. Drizzle a few spoonfuls of the salsa over the chicken and season with flaky sea salt, if you'd like. Serve with the remaining salsa at the table.

Christina Ledbetter
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the zucchini is always tender. The charred scallion salsa is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend this recipe!


Muhammad Raza Khan
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This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was moist and flavorful, the zucchini was tender and slightly crispy, and the charred scallion salsa was the perfect finishing touch. I will definitely be making this again!


Jay Parra
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Meh. It was okay. The chicken was a bit dry and the zucchini was undercooked. The charred scallion salsa was good, but not enough to save the dish.


zahid zahid
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This dish was a bit bland for my taste. The chicken was a bit dry and the zucchini was undercooked. The charred scallion salsa was the only thing that had any flavor, but it wasn't enough to save the dish. I would not recommend this recipe.


Sherpa Dorje
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I tried this recipe last night and it was a big hit with my family. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, the zucchini was tender and slightly crispy, and the charred scallion salsa was the perfect finishing touch. We all loved it!


Sakariye Cali
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This recipe was amazing! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the zucchini was cooked to perfection. The charred scallion salsa was the perfect finishing touch. I will definitely be making this again!


Tapusi Begum
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Not bad! The chicken was juicy and the zucchini was cooked perfectly. The charred scallion salsa was a bit too spicy for my taste, but it was still good. Overall, I enjoyed this dish.


toqeer khalid
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This dish was a disappointment. The chicken was dry and the zucchini was bland. The charred scallion salsa was the only thing that had any flavor, but it wasn't enough to save the dish. I would not recommend this recipe.


Jabulile Kubheka
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the zucchini is always tender. The charred scallion salsa is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend this recipe!


Hasnain Asghar
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I've made this dish several times now and it's always a hit. The chicken is always juicy and flavorful, the zucchini is tender and slightly crispy, and the charred scallion salsa is the perfect finishing touch. Highly recommend!


Fazan Jutt
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Meh. It was okay. The chicken was a bit dry and the zucchini was undercooked. The charred scallion salsa was good, but not enough to save the dish.


H Waleed
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This recipe was a disaster! The chicken was overcooked and the zucchini was mushy. The charred scallion salsa was the only thing that was edible. Would not recommend.


Suventhirarasa Danushan
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I made this dish last night and it was a big hit with my husband and kids. They loved the charred scallion salsa and the zucchini was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again!


Jibon deb
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Not a fan. The chicken was dry and the zucchini was bland. The charred scallion salsa was the only saving grace, but it couldn't make up for the rest of the dish. Wouldn't recommend.


Dakota Didi
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Easy to make and absolutely delicious! I loved the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, the zucchini was tender and slightly crispy, and the charred scallion salsa added a nice kick. Will definitely b


Xn Wajedul
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This skillet chicken and zucchini dish was an absolute delight! The charred scallion salsa added a smoky and tangy flavor that perfectly complemented the tender chicken and zucchini. I served it with a side of roasted potatoes and it was a hit with m


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