There’s a certain joy in discovering a dish that not only brings your family together but also transforms a hectic weeknight into a delightful dining experience. Imagine walking into your kitchen as the tantalizing aroma of crispy chicken fills the air, mingling beautifully with the fresh scent of blistered courgettes. As I reached for the vibrant herb-infused green sauce, I knew I had unearthed a true winner.
This Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce is everything you could want in a meal—quick to prepare, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Perfectly seasoned, the golden-brown chicken thighs pair beautifully with tender courgettes and a zesty green sauce that elevates each bite. Whether you’re a busy professional in need of a nutritious meal that’s gluten-free or a homemade food lover bored by fast food options, this dish is sure to become a standout in your cooking repertoire. Grab your skillet, and let’s transform tonight’s dinner into something special!
Why is Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: The harmonious blend of crispy chicken, tender courgettes, and herby green sauce offers a mouthwatering experience that will excite your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy nights, taking minimal time to prepare without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Versatile Dish: Swap out chicken for pork or tofu, and feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Meal Prep Friendly: Great for those chaotic weeks, this dish can be prepped in advance, ensuring you have a yummy meal ready to go.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Even fussy eaters will love this dish—don’t be surprised if it becomes a frequent request at the dinner table!
Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – The star protein of the dish, offering rich flavor and juiciness; can substitute with chicken breasts but adjust cooking times.
• Olive Oil – Essential for frying the chicken to a perfect crisp; avocado oil can be used for a higher smoke point.
For the Courgettes
• Courgettes (Zucchini) – Adds freshness to the dish with its tender texture; yellow squash can also be swapped in if courgettes aren’t available.
For the Green Sauce
• Fresh Herbs – A mix of your choice, vital for infusing vibrant flavor; try basil, parsley, or cilantro for a refreshing twist.
• Greek Yoghurt – Provides a creamy, cooling balance to the richness of the chicken; can replace with any plain yogurt or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes
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Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides for added flavor.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot and ready for frying.
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Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot oil. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Avoid moving the chicken to achieve perfect crispiness.
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Add Courgettes: Once the chicken skin is crispy, flip the thighs and add the courgettes to the pan. Sauté alongside the chicken until they are tender and blistered, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
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Prepare the Green Sauce: While the chicken and courgettes are cooking, combine your choice of fresh herbs with a splash of olive oil and seasonings in a blender. Blend until silky smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste.
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Plate and Serve: Once everything is cooked, place the crispy chicken and blistered courgettes on a plate. Drizzle generously with the herby green sauce and top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt for a refreshing finish.
Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes?
Elevate your dinner experience with perfect pairings that complement this savory dish and enhance your family meal.
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Flavorful Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers adds a light, zesty contrast to the rich chicken and sauce. The grainy texture balances the dish beautifully.
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Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden-brown garlic roasted potatoes provide a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the herby green sauce.
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Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned steamed asparagus brings a vibrant green color and a crunchy bite that pairs well with the tender courgettes.
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Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice supports the chicken’s flavors while adding a slightly nutty taste. This is perfect for those looking to keep it light!
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Creamy Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor, creating a wonderful contrast to the richness of the chicken and the warmth of the vegetables.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc accentuates the herby notes of the green sauce, making it an elegant pairing for your poultry dish.
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Berry Crisp: For dessert, a warm berry crisp offers a sweet and slightly tart finish that complements the savory aspects of the main course, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken
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Pat Dry: Ensure chicken thighs are thoroughly dried before seasoning to achieve the crispiest skin; moisture leads to sogginess.
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Oil Temperature: Wait for the olive oil to shimmer before adding chicken; this helps create an instant sear, sealing in juices for your crispy chicken.
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Don’t Crowd the Pan: Avoid placing too many chicken pieces in the skillet at once; overcrowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper crisping.
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Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness; undercooked chicken won’t be enjoyable.
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Season Courgettes: Don’t forget to season the courgettes while they cook; a sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances their flavor and complements the dish beautifully.
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Herb Variations: Feel free to mix different herbs for the green sauce; this crisp chicken dish can shine with anything from parsley to dill, so get creative!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet to restore its delicious crunch.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and courgettes separately for up to 2 months. Ensure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Green Sauce: The herby green sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. Stir well before using, as it may separate.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, and warm the courgettes gently. This method maintains their texture beautifully, perfect for your crispy chicken with blistered courgettes!
Crispy Chicken Variations
There’s so much joy in putting your own twist on this scrumptious dish, making it uniquely yours!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil while cooking for a delightful heat that packs a punch.
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Herb Medley: Swap out traditional herbs for bold flavors like tarragon or dill in your green sauce for an unexpected surprise.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers or asparagus with the courgettes to diversify textures and colors—because who can resist a rainbow on their plate?
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Lemon Zest: Brighten things up with freshly grated lemon zest in the green sauce for a citrusy lift that will awaken your taste buds.
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Pork Alternative: Switch chicken thighs with juicy pork chops for a savory variation that pairs wonderfully with the same herb sauce.
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Grain Base: Serve your crispy chicken atop a bed of quinoa or brown rice, adding heartiness and nutrition to the meal—comfort food redefined!
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Nutty Sprinkle: Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a luscious crunch that elevates the entire dish.
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Creamy Dream: Trade Greek yogurt for a creamy cashew yogurt to keep it plant-based while adding an indulgent touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and pat the chicken thighs dry up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor. Additionally, the herby green sauce can be blended and refrigerated for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh in an airtight container. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, simply cook the chicken and courgettes as instructed, drizzle with the green sauce, and top with Greek yoghurt for a quick assembly that brings restaurant-quality results to your table. Enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort!
Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I select the freshest courgettes?
Absolutely! Look for courgettes that are firm to the touch with a shiny, smooth skin. Avoid those with dark spots all over or wrinkles, as they may be overripe. Aim for courgettes that are about 6-8 inches long for the best flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Very good question! Leftover crispy chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a hot skillet to restore its delightful crispness. Make sure to cover the pan for a minute or two to heat it through without drying it out!
Can I freeze the chicken and courgettes?
Absolutely! To freeze, make sure to wrap the chicken and courgettes separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating in a skillet. This keeps the chicken crispy rather than soggy!
What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?
The more the merrier with tips! If you find your chicken isn’t achieving that desirable crispiness, there are a couple of things to check. First, ensure your chicken thighs are dried thoroughly before seasoning. Excess moisture can hinder crispiness. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying—this reduces oil temperature and can lead to steaming rather than frying. Lastly, check your oil temperature; it should shimmer and be hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
Is this recipe suitable for someone with dairy allergies?
Yes, indeed! For a dairy-free option, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a coconut yogurt or any dairy-free alternative. This swap maintains that creamy balance to the dish without any dairy concerns. Enjoy the meal worry-free!
What herbs can I use for the green sauce?
So glad you asked! You can mix and match depending on your preferences. Popular choices include basil, parsley, or cilantro, but feel free to experiment with dill or mint for a unique flavor twist. Just remember to balance the herbs with a splash of olive oil and some seasoning to create that creamy, vibrant green sauce!
Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot oil and cook for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Once crispy, flip the thighs and add courgettes to the pan, sautéing until tender and blistered (about 4-5 minutes).
- Combine fresh herbs with a splash of olive oil in a blender, blend until smooth, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Plate the chicken and courgettes, drizzle with green sauce, and top with Greek yoghurt.