If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet requires minimal fuss, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe brings together tender chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and a luscious lemon butter sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With bright citrus notes balancing the richness of butter and garlic, every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Best of all, it all cooks in one pan, making dinner simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor profile and perfect texture. From the richness of butter to the brightness of lemon and the fresh snap of asparagus, every item is essential.
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose breasts for tender, lean meat or thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken, sealing in juices.
- Salt to taste: Generous seasoning brings out and enhances the natural flavors.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds a subtle heat and earthy depth.
- Optional paprika: Imparts a gorgeous color and a hint of smoky warmth.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Key to a creamy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and asparagus.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with robust, aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and layers of savory taste to the sauce.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh, tangy notes.
- 1 lemon, sliced: Used to infuse extra citrus flavor and for a charming garnish.
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed: Adds a satisfying crunch and soaks up the delicious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbal touch that’s perfect for garnish.
How to Make Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial to get that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch of paprika for a little extra color and flavor. This foundational step ensures every bite of chicken is flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook without moving them for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Resist the urge to flip too soon—that crust is what locks in the juices you’ll love about this recipe. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds to a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up all those brown bits from the pan’s bottom—this is where the magic flavor lives. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to combine and reduce slightly.
Step 4: Cook Asparagus and Reunite Chicken
Add the trimmed asparagus and lemon slices to the pan, stirring to coat everything in the luscious lemon butter sauce. Nestle the chicken back into the pan so it sits on top, then cover with a lid and let everything cook together for 5–7 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This final step melds the flavors beautifully and finishes your meal perfectly in one pan.
How to Serve Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add a pop of vibrant green and fresh herbal notes that complement the rich lemon butter sauce. You can also add a few extra lemon slices for a pretty, zesty touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star all on its own, but pairing it with a side of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread is a fantastic way to soak up every last drop of sauce. A light mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette can also add a fresh counterpoint that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken and asparagus over a bed of buttery polenta or quinoa seasoned with lemon zest and herbs. Arrange the lemon slices artfully on top for an elegant touch. If you want to keep it casual, plating everything straight from the pan adds a warm, rustic feel that’s very inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect dish for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. To maintain the best texture, slightly undercook the asparagus if freezing, as it tends to soften when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a small pat of butter during reheating helps keep the sauce luscious and the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs lend a richer, juicier flavor to this Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe and hold up wonderfully in the cooking process. Just adjust cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger.
What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?
You can substitute with green beans or broccolini, which will also soak up the lemon butter sauce nicely. Just add them at the same stage as you would asparagus so they cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe naturally contains no gluten, making it perfect for gluten-sensitive diets as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. This will slightly alter the richness but keep the dish flavorful and delicious.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and not overcrowding the pan helps achieve a good sear and keeps juices locked inside. Also, avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature or ensuring the chicken is just cooked through when you finish with the asparagus.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe, I promise it will become a go-to for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. The combination of easy preparation, one-pan clean-up, and that irresistible lemony butter sauce makes for a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your skillet, turn up the heat, and treat yourself to this bright and buttery delight—you deserve every bite!
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Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus in One Pan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Juicy Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts or thighs with fresh asparagus, all simmered in a rich lemon butter sauce. With its perfect balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and buttery richness, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (choose breasts for tenderness or thighs for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: paprika, to taste
Sauce and Vegetables
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika to enhance flavor and color.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring a crispy exterior while locking in juices. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Add lemon slices on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook through for about 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Asparagus: Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the chicken in the pan. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken and asparagus. Serve hot, spooning extra lemon butter sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer more flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice depending on your preferred level of tartness.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes uncovered before adding the asparagus.
- Use fresh asparagus for the best texture and flavor; frozen asparagus is not recommended.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
