Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus Recipe

Lemon garlic butter chicken baked with asparagus is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. The chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned with a savory blend of garlic, lemon, and butter, then baked alongside tender asparagus for a complete meal. The rich, buttery sauce infuses the chicken, keeping it moist and juicy, while the asparagus cooks to perfection, absorbing the flavors from the butter and garlic. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this dish offers the ideal balance of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. Plus, it’s a low-effort recipe that delivers impressive results, requiring minimal prep time and clean-up.

This recipe’s combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and hearty butter creates a flavor-packed experience that pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the asparagus. The bright citrus flavor from the lemon enhances the overall freshness of the dish, while the garlic and butter elevate the savory richness of the chicken. With only a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Yet Flavorful

The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a rich, zesty sauce that transforms ordinary chicken and asparagus into an extraordinary meal.

2. One-Pan Meal

This recipe is cooked all in one pan, making it both easy to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.

3. Quick to Make

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

4. Healthy and Nutritious

Chicken breast provides lean protein, and asparagus is packed with vitamins and fiber, making this dish both wholesome and satisfying.

5. Versatile

This recipe can be served on its own or paired with rice, quinoa, or potatoes for a more filling meal. You can also add extra vegetables to customize the dish to your taste.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Asparagus:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh asparagus, trimmed

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Butter, melted
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: You can include other vegetables like bell peppers, baby carrots, or green beans for added variety and color.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: For a slightly different texture, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
• Use Different Herbs: Instead of oregano, try using thyme, rosemary, or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Asparagus

Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Arrange the asparagus around the chicken, making sure they are evenly spread out.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Asparagus

Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the asparagus. Toss the asparagus a bit to ensure it’s well-coated with the flavorful butter sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken and Asparagus

Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The asparagus should be tender and lightly browned at the tips.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
• Use Fresh Asparagus: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, firm asparagus. If it’s too thick, trim the woody ends before cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences. Add more lemon for a tangier flavor or extra garlic for a stronger punch.

How to Serve

This lemon garlic butter chicken with asparagus is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad. You can also serve it with quinoa, couscous, or roasted sweet potatoes for a more substantial meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the chicken and asparagus can be frozen for up to 3 months, the texture of the asparagus may change slightly once frozen and reheated. For the best results, freeze the chicken and asparagus separately.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and asparagus in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before using them in this recipe to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I use a different vegetable instead of asparagus?

Yes, you can use broccoli, green beans, or zucchini as a substitute for asparagus.

3. Can I make this recipe without butter?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and asparagus and store them in the fridge, then bake them just before serving. It’s best to bake fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, adding Parmesan or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of baking would add a nice touch of flavor.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they are thicker and tend to take a bit longer to cook.

8. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic. About 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder should suffice.

9. Can I use a different oil for the recipe?

Olive oil works best for this recipe, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if preferred.

10. What other herbs work well with this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, or basil would all complement the lemon and garlic flavors in this dish.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic butter chicken baked with asparagus is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy, well-seasoned chicken and tender asparagus cooked in a rich, zesty butter sauce makes this meal irresistible. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, it’s a dish that delivers on taste without requiring a lot of effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today for a delightful and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and refreshing!

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