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Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus

Lemon herb chicken with asparagus in a creamy lemon sauce on white plate

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A bright and easy one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken with crisp asparagus in a zesty lemon herb sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish brings cozy, Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons (one juiced, one sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and paprika.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the trimmed asparagus and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to the plate with the chicken.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (or wine) and the juice of one lemon, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. Return the chicken and asparagus to the skillet, spooning the sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to ensure a good crust. Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended over bottled for the best flavor.

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