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Perfect Fancy Summer Dinner Under $10

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A budget-friendly, quick, and delicious summer dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs and fresh vegetables, perfect for casual entertaining and impressing guests without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Optional: Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half the minced garlic. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs presentation side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Avoid moving too much to get a nice crust.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, add remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add seasoned veggies and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
  6. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the veggies, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and toss quickly to combine.
  7. Serve chicken alongside sautéed veggies. Sprinkle chopped basil and optional cheese garnish on top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for better browning. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain a good sear. Fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten the dish. For vegan version, swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas and omit cheese. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer dinner, budget-friendly, chicken thighs, quick recipe, easy dinner, healthy meal, fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables

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