Print

Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus

easy one-pan lemon butter chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and healthy one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts and crisp asparagus in a bright lemon butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound / 450g), woody ends trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Butterfly or pound to an even thickness about ¾ inch (2 cm) if thick.
  2. Snap off woody ends of asparagus, rinse and pat dry.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and warm until shimmering (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Add chicken breasts and sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 4 minutes. Chicken will not be fully cooked yet.
  5. Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and garlic turns golden (about 1 minute), watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom.
  8. Add asparagus to the skillet, toss gently in the lemon butter sauce, cover and cook 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  9. Return chicken to the pan nestled among asparagus. Spoon sauce over chicken. Cover and simmer 3-5 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately with sauce spooned over chicken and asparagus.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear. Add extra chicken broth or water if sauce reduces too much. Let chicken rest under foil after searing to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. Frozen asparagus can be used but adjust cooking time and pat dry before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter chicken, one-pan dinner, asparagus recipe, quick healthy dinner, easy chicken recipe, low-carb chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-butter-chicken-with-asparagus-recipe-for-quick-healthy-dinner/