One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus

Some nights, you just don’t have the time or energy to cook a complicated meal. That’s where this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus comes in! It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.

This dish combines juicy, tender chicken with fresh, crisp asparagus, all coated in a rich and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it actually comes together in under 30 minutes!

With just one pan, you get a protein-packed meal and a nutritious veggie side, making it an effortless way to eat well without a lot of hassle. Plus, the fresh lemon and garlic bring a bright, mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash = more time to relax!
• Healthy and Balanced: High in protein and packed with vitamins from the asparagus.
• Full of Flavor: The garlic butter sauce with a splash of lemon adds the perfect tangy richness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for guests, this dish always impresses.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Asparagus

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)
• 1 lemon, sliced

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

This meal is simple, satisfying, and perfect for when you need something quick yet delicious. Ready to make it? Let’s get cooking!

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or pan (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken and asparagus)
• Sharp knife (for slicing the chicken and lemon)
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons (for precise seasoning)
• Small bowl (to mix the sauce)

Since this is a one-pan meal, you won’t need multiple pots and pans—just one skillet for everything!

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Asparagus

6. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
7. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Toss in the asparagus and season with a pinch of salt and Italian seasoning.
9. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

10. Push the asparagus to one side of the pan. Add another 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan.
11. Stir in lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

12. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top.
13. Add lemon slices for extra flavor and let everything heat through for another minute.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

14. Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
15. Enjoy your flavor-packed, easy one-pan meal!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking – If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for better results.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, fresh flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Asparagus – Keep it crisp-tender for the best texture.
• Make It Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.
• Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Pair It With a Side – Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus is not only delicious but also perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor! Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some ways to switch it up:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Asparagus: Replace with green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli if asparagus isn’t your favorite.
• Butter: Use ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar for the same touch of sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon, try yellow mustard or leave it out entirely.

Flavor Variations

• Parmesan Garlic Version: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving for extra richness.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken: Use lemon pepper seasoning instead of salt and pepper for extra citrusy goodness.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• Rice or Quinoa: The lemon garlic butter sauce tastes amazing when soaked up with fluffy rice or quinoa.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a hearty side.
• Pasta: Serve over angel hair pasta or linguine for a filling meal.
• Crusty Bread: Use a warm baguette to mop up the extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, but asparagus doesn’t freeze well and may turn mushy.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.

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FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the chicken and chop the asparagus ahead of time. When ready to cook, it only takes about 20 minutes!

What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons).

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, but it may release more water, so cook it a little longer to remove excess moisture.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly as is. Just be sure to skip the honey for an even lower carb count.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large skillet or cook the chicken in batches so everything browns properly.

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This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus is a meal you’ll want to make again and again! It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!