The Ultimate One-Pan Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meal, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful, healthy, and low-effort. The combination of succulent chicken, fresh asparagus, and a rich lemon garlic butter sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal prep and only uses one pan, which means less cleanup—a huge win for anyone who loves home-cooked meals but dreads washing dishes. Plus, this meal is low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes, less hassle
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein and vitamins
- Bursting with Flavor – The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, zesty kick
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers
Now, let’s dive into the details so you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is essential to ensure you get a nice sear.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown. You don’t need to cook it through yet—it will finish baking in the oven.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Stir well to combine and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble Everything
- Place the seared chicken on the baking sheet.
- Arrange the asparagus around the chicken.
- Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken and asparagus.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemon juice and garlic will give the dish the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Sear – This helps lock in the chicken’s moisture and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels – If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes; if you prefer mild flavors, omit them.
- Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid dry chicken.
- Cut Asparagus Evenly – This ensures it cooks evenly alongside the chicken.
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Make It Creamy – Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce before baking for a rich, creamy version.
- Cheesy Twist – Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the asparagus before baking.
- Try Different Veggies – Swap out asparagus for broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.
- Use Chicken Thighs – Substitute chicken breasts with bone-in or boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try these side options:
- Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – A creamy, buttery side that pairs perfectly.
- Lemon Herb Rice – A light, citrusy rice that complements the flavors.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Adds a bit of natural sweetness.
- Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This dish is great for meal prep because it stores and reheats well.
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. (Asparagus may get mushy after freezing.)
- Reheat – Warm in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus is the perfect one-pan, easy, and delicious meal for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients, incredible flavors, and quick prep time, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So, next time you’re craving something healthy, satisfying, and stress-free, give this recipe a try. Let me know how you liked it in the comments!
Happy Cooking! 😊