This Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken is a winner! Juicy chicken breasts cooked in a tasty lemony butter sauce with fresh garlic, served alongside crisp asparagus. Yum!
I love how simple this dish is to make, and it looks fancy enough for guests! Just sauté everything in one pan, and dinner is ready in no time. What could be better? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier bite. Just remember, they may require a bit longer to cook through.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for the flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil works well too and has a higher smoke point, which is great for cooking.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. You can swap this with ghee or a dairy-free butter for a lactose-free option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used at 1/8 teaspoon per clove, but fresh is always tastier!
Lemon: Fresh lemons add brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh, bottled lemon juice will do, though the taste may vary slightly. Try to use about 1 tablespoon per lemon.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key for a nice crunch. If unavailable, green beans or broccoli can be great substitutes!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken So It’s Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll have juicy results every time! Here’s how:
- Start by seasoning your chicken well with salt, pepper, and paprika. This helps build flavor from the inside out.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the oil. Test if it’s ready by dropping a bit of water—if it sizzles, you’re good!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Leave space to allow the chicken to sear. This helps develop that delicious golden crust.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, but keep an eye on the thickness. A meat thermometer reading 165°F ensures it’s safely cooked.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps the juices locked in, making each bite tender and flavorful.
How to Make Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken With Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus juice of half the lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For The Vegetables:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight hint of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides until well-coated. This will give your chicken a wonderful flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. If possible, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any delicious browned bits. Add the lemon juice and half of the thin lemon slices you prepared earlier. Stir everything together for a moment.
5. Return the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of that yummy sauce over them. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to get nicely coated in flavors.
6. Cook the Asparagus:
Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet next to the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and asparagus for a pop of color. Add the remaining lemon slices on top as a lovely garnish. Serve this dish hot, spooning any extra lemon butter garlic sauce from the pan over your delicious chicken and asparagus.
Enjoy your flavorful and bright lemon butter garlic chicken with fresh asparagus!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Asparagus?
Absolutely! If asparagus isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with green beans, broccoli, or even zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they remain tender yet crisp.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, refrigerating them separately for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and add the asparagus right before serving for that fresh crunch.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This lemon butter garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it with a simple green salad or quinoa to balance out the richness of the sauce.
