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
Scale
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.
