After a long day at work, I often dread dinner. I don’t want to spend hours cooking. Then, I found a recipe for lemon garlic butter chicken with asparagus.
This recipe is quick and easy. It takes just 35 minutes to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This dish has tender chicken, garlic butter sauce, and fresh asparagus. It’s a mix of flavors that fills me up without taking too long. It’s also healthy and simple to make.
As I marinated the chicken, I imagined the amazing smell in my kitchen. It’s moments like these that make me love cooking again.
Introduction to Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is more than a meal. It’s a treat for your senses. The lemon’s bright taste and garlic’s deep flavor make it special. This dish is easy and healthy, perfect for families.
This recipe is great because it cooks everything at once. Using a sheet pan, chicken and asparagus roast together. This saves time and makes cleanup easy. You can have a tasty, healthy meal ready in 35 minutes.
Air-chilled chicken is full of protein and good for you. It has less cholesterol and fat. Chicken thighs make the dish tender and juicy. Adding asparagus makes it even better, adding green to your plate.
Why Choose One-Pan Meals?
One-pan meals like Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus are great. They save a lot of time on cleaning up. This is perfect for people who are always busy.
Everything cooks in one dish. This makes it easy to prepare and makes the food taste better. It’s a simple way to get a delicious dinner.
These meals are also good for eating healthy. They often have lean proteins and fresh veggies. For example, this dish has chicken and asparagus. It’s a balanced meal ready in under 30 minutes.
If you need quick and easy dinner ideas, one-pan meals are the way to go. They are fast and don’t take a lot of time to cook. They are also easy to make and keep your meal healthy and tasty.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
When I make my favorite baked chicken, like Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus, quality matters. Here’s a list of ingredients that will make your dish taste amazing. This meal is easy to make and clean up, keeping my kitchen tidy.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ bunch fresh asparagus, cut in half
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup freshly chopped oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Optional Ingredients
- Hot sauce for added spice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch
- Additional herbs like parsley or basil for garnish
Fresh ingredients make my baked chicken taste better. Asparagus recipes get even better with garlic butter. It makes the whole dish taste amazing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Making Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with asparagus is easy and fun. It’s full of bright flavors, making it a top pick for chicken dishes and quick dinners. Let’s go through each step to make a tasty, stress-free meal.
Preparing the Chicken
First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need three boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into two-inch pieces for even cooking. Season with:
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
In a bowl, mix melted butter with:
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional)
Coat the chicken pieces in the butter mix. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Preparing the Asparagus
While the chicken marinates, prep the asparagus. Trim the ends of two bunches. Then, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Move them to an ice bath to keep them green and crisp.
Season the asparagus with:
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
After marinating the chicken, put the chicken and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle the leftover butter mix over both. Bake at 400ºF (200ºC) for 20-25 minutes. This combo is perfect for a satisfying meal!
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus is a tasty and easy meal. It takes only 20 minutes to make. You’ll need 1 pound of chicken, 1 pound of asparagus, lemons, flour, and lemon pepper.
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF. Pound the chicken breasts to 3/4 inch thick. Season them with lemon pepper and salt. Sauté the chicken in butter until golden brown.
Add garlic and chicken broth to the pan. Then, toss in the asparagus. Add lemon juice, lemon slices, and honey butter. Bake in the oven for 20 to 23 minutes.
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. It’s quick, nutritious, and delicious. Enjoy the tasty mix of chicken and asparagus!
Cooking Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken
Getting the best out of my baked chicken recipe is all about paying attention to details. A few simple tips can make a big difference. These steps ensure my chicken is juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right.
Marinating for Flavor
Marinating chicken is key to adding flavor deep into the meat. I let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours in the fridge. A good marinade includes sea salt, dried herbs, and lemon juice.
This mix makes the dish taste great and stay healthy.
Adjusting Cooking Times
Cooking time is important for even baking. For 1.5-pound chicken breasts, start at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Then, add asparagus and cook for 5-10 more minutes.
Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust cooking times based on chicken size or asparagus thickness. I slice chicken breasts to 3/4 inch for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions for the Dish
Choosing the right way to serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus can make your meal better. This dish is tasty and fits well with easy and healthy meals. Here are some ideas for serving this meal that I like.
Pairing with Sides
Choosing the right sides can make your meal even better. Here are some ideas to go with the chicken and asparagus:
- Steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce.
- A crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette for a fresh taste.
- Roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for comfort.
- Garlic bread or whole-grain rolls to soak up flavors.
Garnishing Ideas
Adding garnishes can make your dish look great. Here are some ideas to make your dish stand out:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for color and freshness.
- Slices of lemon for more lemon flavor and looks.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory taste.
- Shaved or crumbled cheese, like Parmesan or feta, for a rich taste.
These ideas add flavor and make your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken special. Enjoy making a beautiful meal that’s easy and healthy.
Health Benefits of Asparagus and Chicken
Chicken and asparagus are great for your health. Asparagus is low in calories but full of vitamins A, C, and K. It helps with digestion and keeps your bones strong.
Chicken is also good for you. It has lean protein that helps build and fix muscles. This is perfect for those who want to eat more protein without extra calories. Together, they make a healthy and tasty meal.
Let’s look at the nutritional values of lemon garlic butter chicken with asparagus:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 333 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 542 mg |
| Potassium | 696 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1446 IU |
| Vitamin C | 38 mg |
| Calcium | 158 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Eating chicken and asparagus is not just tasty. It’s also good for your health. Adding this meal to your diet can make you feel better and taste great.
Storing Leftovers Safely
After enjoying my delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus, I always think about how to store leftovers. This dish is full of flavor and deserves to stay fresh. I cool the leftover chicken and asparagus before putting them in an airtight container. Cooling stops moisture build-up, which can make textures bad.
Once cooled, I can store this tasty combo in the fridge for up to five days. Freezing is also an option if I want to keep it longer. Sealed properly, leftovers can stay in the freezer for about three months. This keeps my easy dinner recipe tasting great.
When reheating, it’s easy. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the dish for 10-15 minutes. This way, the chicken stays juicy and the asparagus crisp. I love that I can enjoy the flavors of my baked chicken recipes even days later.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Ensure the dish is cooled and sealed in an airtight container. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Label containers with date for tracking freshness. |
| Reheating in Oven | 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) | Maintains texture and flavor of the dish. |
More Flavorful Chicken Recipes to Try
If you liked making Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus, you’ll love more chicken recipes. Try Honey Garlic Chicken for a sweet and savory dish. It’s perfect with steamed rice or a crisp salad.
The Mediterranean Chicken Bake is another favorite. It has chicken, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Roasting them together makes a quick and tasty meal. It’s full of fresh herbs and juicy veggies.
Don’t be afraid to try new things! You might like Buffalo Chicken or Lemon Herb Chicken. Mixing and matching ingredients can lead to new favorites. It’s a fun way to find dishes your family will love.
