One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus
Juicy chicken baked with tender asparagus in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup. This recipe combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and vibrant flavors in a dish that's as impressive as it is simple – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Foil
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
- 1 lb fresh asparagus woody ends trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lemons 1 juiced and zested, 1 sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried Italian herbs, and paprika. Whisk until well blended.
- Place the chicken breasts on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Brush or spoon half of the lemon garlic butter mixture over the chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus on the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place lemon slices on top of the chicken and scattered among the asparagus.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if using. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan as this can increase cooking time and prevent proper browning.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may need to remove the asparagus earlier to prevent overcooking.
- For meal prep, store the cooked chicken and asparagus separately for optimal texture.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes rather than microwaving to maintain texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan as this can increase cooking time and prevent proper browning.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may need to remove the asparagus earlier to prevent overcooking.
- For meal prep, store the cooked chicken and asparagus separately for optimal texture.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes rather than microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSodium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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