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Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

garlic lemon butter chicken - featured image

Juicy chicken breasts are seared and finished in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, then paired with crisp-tender roasted asparagus for a comforting, protein-packed meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 1 tablespoon zest)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss trimmed asparagus with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer.
  4. Lower skillet heat to medium. Add butter; when melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth, scraping up brown bits.
  5. Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat in sauce. Transfer skillet to oven and place asparagus baking sheet on a lower rack. Roast both for 12-15 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and asparagus is just tender.
  6. Rest chicken 2-3 minutes before slicing. Toss asparagus with any pan juices. Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over chicken, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer for juicy chicken. Swap asparagus for other green veggies if desired. For gluten-free, use almond flour or skip flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

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