This flavorful dish features tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with vibrant lemon asparagus. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the chicken bites:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
For the asparagus and sauce:
- 2 bunches of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup butter, divided (1/4 cup for browning the chicken and 1/4 cup for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided (1 teaspoon for the chicken bites and 1 teaspoon for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional (we used Sriracha)
- 1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
- Slices of lemon for garnish
Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Set aside on a shallow plate while preparing the asparagus.
2. Blanch the Asparagus:
Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus. Blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure the asparagus cooks evenly in the skillet. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Melt 1/4 cup butter with olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites and gently stir-fry on all sides until golden brown. Lower the temperature and add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set them aside. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of minced garlic over medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half. Add the remaining 1/4 cup butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, and parsley, and stir to combine.
5. Cook the Asparagus:
Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and toss for about 2 minutes until tender. Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet.
6. Reheat the Chicken:
Add the chicken bites back to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to reheat. Garnish with more parsley, crushed chili pepper flakes, and lemon slices.
7. Serve:
Serve the garlic butter chicken bites with the lemon asparagus immediately. Enjoy!
Serving:
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations:
- Vegetable Substitutes: Swap asparagus with green beans or broccoli for a different twist.
- Protein Options: Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Herb Choices: Try thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A: Yes, but fresh asparagus will have a better texture. If using frozen, skip the blanching step.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.
Q: Can I omit the hot sauce?
A: Yes, the hot sauce is optional. You can leave it out for a milder flavor.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with zesty asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste!