Description
This Lemon Asparagus Chicken recipe is a fresh, zesty, and healthy one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken breasts, tender asparagus, and a light lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant spring meals, it’s quick to make, full of flavor, and easy to clean up after.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender protein base
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed – adds crisp texture and color
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing and healthy fats
- 2 tablespoons butter – enriches the sauce and adds smoothness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds aromatic depth
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – builds the flavorful sauce
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested – provides brightness and acidity
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds subtle heat
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little spice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – fresh garnish and color
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add butter, and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add trimmed asparagus to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the lemon-butter sauce over it. Cover and cook another 2–3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the asparagus; keep it bright green and slightly crisp.
- Double the sauce if serving with pasta or rice for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with avocado oil or ghee.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with asparagus
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Lemon Asparagus Chicken, lemon chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, asparagus and chicken skillet, spring chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dish