Imagine diving into a perfectly cooked chicken breast, infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs, nestled alongside crisp, tender asparagus – all prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This lemon garlic butter herb chicken and asparagus recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a delicious and healthy dinner, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme.
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and arrange them in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Remove butter from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining thyme. Mix well to combine.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts on the baking sheet next to the asparagus.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken and asparagus, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon slices or additional chopped herbs.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and help the seasonings stick better.
- Use fresh thyme if possible, as it provides a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. If using dried, use about 1/3 the amount of fresh.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon garlic butter mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking, if time permits.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer – 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken breasts.
- Choose asparagus spears of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Thicker spears might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- For a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
