One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus

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Craving a springtime dinner that's bursting with flavor yet unbelievably easy? Look no further than this One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus! This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, packed with juicy chicken, tender-crisp asparagus, and a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce that will have you licking your plate.

In under 30 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-worthy dish prepared in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing time spent enjoying this delightful meal.

Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus

Let's whip up a delightful lemon butter chicken with asparagus for a vibrant spring dinner! This one-pan wonder is bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.    Yield: 2 servings.    Cooking time: 20 minutes

Here's what we'll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (2 big) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup coconut flour (regular flour works too!)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (we'll be dividing this up)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (get that citrus zing!)
  • ¼ cup honey (skip this for a keto/low carb version)
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (divided in half)
  • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 bunch asparagus (around 15-20 spears), trimmed
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Ready to cook? Let's do it!

  1. Honey Lemon Butter Sauce: In a medium skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once it's melted, toss in the garlic and cook it until it smells amazing (about a minute). Now, add the lemon juice, soy sauce, honey (if you're using it), and half of the chopped parsley. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Craving more pepper? Now's the time to adjust the seasoning! Once it's perfect, set this tasty sauce aside in a bowl.
  2. The Chicken: Time to prep the chicken! We want nice, thin pieces so cut the breasts in half horizontally. If needed, pound them gently with a mallet to make them even in thickness. In a shallow dish, combine the coconut flour (or regular flour) with a pinch of salt. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture to coat it.
  3. Let's Get Cooking: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. Once it's beautifully colored, take the chicken out and put it on a plate.
  4. The Veggies: Now for the asparagus! Arrange the lemon slices in the same skillet and cook them for a few minutes on each side. We want them to caramelize a bit, so don't be afraid to press them down to get those yummy browned bits from the chicken and butter. Once they're nicely caramelized, take them out and set them aside.
  5. Asparagus Time! Add the asparagus to the pan with a dollop of butter. Saute them for a few minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Don't forget to drizzle them with some of that delicious honey lemon butter sauce to coat them!
  6. Bringing it All Together: Finally, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and layer it over the asparagus. Top it all off with those caramelized lemon slices. Give it a final taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it straight from the skillet, drizzled generously with the remaining honey lemon butter sauce. Enjoy this delightful spring dinner!

Tips:

Feel free to swap the coconut flour for regular flour if you don't need a gluten-free or low-carb option.

Craving more veggies? Throw in some broccoli florets or cherry tomatoes when you cook the asparagus.

Recipe Variations:

Protein Swap: Don't love chicken? This recipe works just as well with other proteins! Swap the chicken breasts for:

Salmon: Use similar-sized fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Shrimp: Devein and clean the shrimp, then saute for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

Tofu: Cube firm tofu and toss it in a cornstarch or arrowroot powder slurry for a crispy exterior. Saute for a few minutes per side until golden brown.

Veggie Fiesta: Love your veggies? Add some color and variety to your one-pan wonder:

  • Broccoli Florets: Add them to the pan with the asparagus for the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Toss them in with the asparagus and let them blister slightly.
  • Mushrooms: Saute sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added depth of flavor.

Flavor Twists: Want to take your taste buds on an adventure? Here are some ideas:

  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey lemon butter sauce for a kick.
  • Herbs de Provence: Replace the parsley with this fragrant herb mix for a touch of French flair.
  • Garlic Lover: Add an extra clove of garlic to the sauce for a more intense garlicky flavor.

Tips:

Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.

Leftovers: Store leftover chicken, asparagus, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, zest half of your lemon before slicing it and add the zest to the honey lemon butter sauce.

Make it a Meal: Serve this dish with a side of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Here's why this lemon butter chicken with asparagus recipe can be considered both loving and healthy:

Love Factors:

One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal cleanup – perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to spend quality time with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Bright and Flavorful: The combination of lemon, butter, and garlic creates a light and delicious sauce that's sure to tantalize taste buds. It's a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling happy and satisfied.

Customizable: With protein and veggie variations, you can tailor the recipe to suit different preferences and dietary needs. It shows you care about those you're cooking for by offering options.

Healthy Highlights:

Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.

Asparagus Powerhouse: Asparagus is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's a low-calorie veggie that adds essential nutrients to your meal.

Light and Balanced: The use of minimal oil and a focus on fresh ingredients keeps the overall dish on the lighter side. You can skip the honey for a lower-carb version.

Quick Cooking: The short cooking time helps preserve nutrients in the chicken and asparagus.

While it's not a calorie-free dish, the focus on lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a light sauce makes it a healthy and delicious choice for a weeknight meal. It shows you care about yourself and your loved ones by providing a nutritious and flavorful option.


Honey B.
Honey B. hi ! my name is honey i like talking about healthy foods, & healthy lifestyle. dont hesitate to visit my blog https://www.foodieaty.com/

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