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One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus

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!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Pan
  • Tongs
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl

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

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

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

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • 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).
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Asparagus

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

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Step 5: Bring It All Together

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

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

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

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 7-10g (mostly from asparagus and lemon juice)
  • Fat: 20-25g (from butter and olive oil)
  • Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugar: 2-3g (from honey and asparagus)
This meal is high in protein, low in carbs, and rich in healthy fats, making it a great option for a balanced diet. If you need a lower-fat version, you can reduce the butter and use more olive oil instead.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword lemon garlic butter chicken, one pan lemon garlic butter chicken and asparagus, one pan recipes