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Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus

one-pan lemon garlic butter chicken and asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring lemon garlic butter chicken and crisp asparagus, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends and set aside.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1-2 minutes). Add chicken pieces and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  5. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic around the chicken. Stir garlic gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to the pan, swirling to combine with the butter and garlic.
  8. Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the chicken in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the buttery lemon garlic sauce over the chicken and asparagus.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and watch it closely to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. If asparagus is thick, slice lengthwise for faster roasting. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter chicken, one-pan chicken recipe, asparagus chicken dinner, easy chicken dinner, quick weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipe, low-carb chicken