Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus Recipe

This recipe combines the zesty tang of lemon, the savory richness of garlic butter, and the tenderness of roasted chicken with the crisp, green freshness of asparagus. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, yet packed with flavor. The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken and asparagus, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will allow the chicken to bake perfectly while also giving the asparagus the right amount of crispness.
2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This initial seasoning ensures that the chicken is well-flavored even before the garlic butter sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in the oven by putting the butter in a heat-safe dish and allowing it to melt alongside the chicken (if using the same oven tray).
2. Add garlic, lemon, and herbs: To the melted butter, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. You can adjust the amount of garlic depending on your preference for a stronger garlic flavor. The fresh lemon zest will give it an extra bright punch.
3. Taste and adjust: Before pouring the sauce over the chicken, taste it to ensure the balance of lemon, garlic, and butter is to your liking. You can add a bit more lemon juice or zest for extra citrus or a little more garlic for a stronger flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Lemon Garlic Butter

1. Pour the sauce over the chicken: Once the garlic butter mixture is well-blended, pour about 2-3 tablespoons of the sauce over each chicken breast. Be sure to coat them evenly, as this sauce will infuse the chicken with flavor as it bakes.
2. Reserve extra sauce: Set aside the remaining garlic butter sauce for later use, as you’ll drizzle it over the chicken and asparagus once they’re done baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Asparagus

1. Trim the asparagus: Trim the tough, woody ends of the asparagus by snapping or cutting off the lower 1-2 inches of the stems. This ensures the asparagus cooks evenly and remains tender.
2. Season the asparagus: Lay the asparagus around the chicken on the same baking sheet (or use a separate sheet if needed). Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little extra lemon zest for added citrusy brightness.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken and Asparagus

1. Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the chicken breasts in the center of the baking sheet, surrounded by the asparagus. The asparagus will roast alongside the chicken, absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter.
2. Bake the chicken: Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
   • If you prefer your asparagus to be more tender, you may want to check the asparagus around the 15-18 minute mark, as thinner stalks will cook faster than thicker ones.
3. Baste halfway through: About halfway through the cooking time, spoon some of the reserved garlic butter sauce over the chicken breasts to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Check doneness: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. The asparagus should be tender and slightly caramelized, with a bit of char on the edges, which enhances its flavor.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. You can also drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken and asparagus for a little extra richness.
3. Serve: Plate the chicken and asparagus together, ensuring each portion is generously drizzled with the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

• Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking. This also helps to keep the chicken juicy.
• Oven Variations: If you are using chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time. Bone-in, skin-on thighs will require a longer cooking time than boneless breasts, approximately 35-40 minutes.
• Asparagus Cooking Time: If you prefer the asparagus to be more al dente, you can remove it from the baking sheet earlier, around 15-18 minutes. For softer asparagus, allow it to bake the full 25 minutes.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano or basil, feel free to swap out the dried oregano for a more vibrant fresh herb. Fresh thyme also works wonderfully in this dish.
• Flavor Variations: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. For an additional tang, you can mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
• Serve with Side Dishes: This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is well-balanced, providing a rich source of lean protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the asparagus, and healthy fats from the butter (or ghee if substituted). Below is a breakdown of the nutritional benefits of this meal:

Chicken:

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions. Each chicken breast provides around 25-30 grams of protein.
• B Vitamins: Chicken is high in niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin B6, both of which are vital for energy production and supporting metabolism.

Asparagus:

• Fiber: Asparagus is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C. These vitamins are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, supporting bone health, and reducing oxidative stress.

Lemon Garlic Butter:

• Healthy Fats: While butter contains saturated fat, using it in moderation adds a rich flavor and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, especially when paired with the vegetables.
• Antioxidants: Garlic is packed with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage, and lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check any seasonings or side dishes to ensure they are gluten-free if necessary.
2. Dairy-Free: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter like Earth Balance or ghee.
3. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Coat them with the garlic butter sauce and bake until tender. You can also use a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu.
4. Spicy Lemon Garlic Butter: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with a side of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice will soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Quinoa: Quinoa makes for a high-protein, nutrient-packed side dish that complements the meal perfectly.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the butter while adding a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a more indulgent side, creamy mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of this dish.

Tips for Success:

1. Choosing the Right Chicken

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice for this recipe, there are a few alternatives you can consider based on texture and flavor preferences:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier option, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They tend to be more forgiving during baking and remain tender even if slightly overcooked. If using bone-in thighs, you may need to increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes to ensure they cook through properly.
• Chicken Cutlets: For an even faster option, you can use thinly sliced chicken cutlets, which will cook in less time—around 15-20 minutes at the same temperature.

2. Using Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic provides a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic. For an even stronger garlic taste, consider roasting the garlic cloves in the butter before adding them to the sauce. This can help mellow out the sharpness of raw garlic and add a sweet, nutty undertone.

3. Adjusting the Lemon Flavor

The lemon plays a key role in this recipe by adding a refreshing and zesty component to balance the richness of the garlic butter. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, consider:

• Zesting the lemon in multiple steps (before juicing it). This ensures you capture the flavorful oils from the peel, which enhance the citrusy brightness.
• Using lemon slices: After zesting the lemon, you can place a few lemon slices directly on top of the chicken before baking. This creates extra flavor infusion and a beautiful presentation.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet

To allow for even cooking and roasting, make sure not to overcrowd the chicken and asparagus on the baking sheet. If you’re making a larger batch, consider using two baking sheets. Giving the vegetables enough space ensures they roast rather than steam, resulting in crisp-tender asparagus with nice caramelization.

5. Basting the Chicken

Basting the chicken halfway through the cooking process not only helps keep it moist, but it also ensures that the garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken evenly. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider basting the chicken every 10 minutes. Just be sure not to open the oven too many times to maintain the heat.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus recipe is its adaptability. You can customize it to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Flavor Enhancements

• Herb Variations: In addition to or instead of oregano, fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon would work beautifully in the garlic butter sauce. Fresh herbs add a fragrant, earthy element that complements the zesty lemon and savory garlic.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter. For a more intense spicy flavor, chop up a small chili (like a jalapeño) and sauté it with the garlic before mixing it into the butter.
• Cheese: Adding cheese can take this dish to the next level. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the chicken and asparagus will melt and create a rich, salty crust. Alternatively, you could top the chicken with slices of mozzarella for a more indulgent, cheesy version.

2. Cooking Methods

• Grilling Option: Instead of baking, you can grill the chicken and asparagus for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The asparagus can be grilled for 3-4 minutes per side, brushed with olive oil and seasoning.
• Sautéed Asparagus: If you prefer a quicker method for cooking asparagus, you can sauté it on the stovetop. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the asparagus, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. You can drizzle it with lemon and garlic butter right after cooking.

3. Substituting Asparagus

While asparagus is a wonderful vegetable for this dish, you can easily swap it for other vegetables based on availability or preference:

• Broccoli: Broccoli florets work just as well as asparagus and absorb the garlic butter beautifully.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans or haricots verts are another excellent alternative. They cook in a similar timeframe to asparagus, with a tender yet crisp texture.
• Brussels Sprouts: For a more hearty, earthy vegetable, roasted Brussels sprouts provide a fantastic match for the rich garlic butter sauce.

You can also try a mix of different vegetables for added variety. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.

Pairing Ideas

While this recipe is complete on its own, there are some excellent side dishes that pair wonderfully with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus, helping to round out your meal.

1. Starches

• Roasted Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes, tossed with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, make an excellent side dish. You can cook them alongside the chicken if you have enough space on your baking sheet.
• Risotto: A creamy lemon risotto pairs beautifully with the garlic butter chicken and asparagus, further enhancing the citrus flavors in the main dish.
• Quinoa: For a lighter, protein-packed side, quinoa is a fantastic option. It’s easy to make and will soak up the garlic butter sauce from the chicken, making it extra flavorful.
• Couscous or Orzo: Couscous or orzo are quick-to-cook grains that pair nicely with the dish. You can serve them with a little lemon zest and olive oil for a bright and complementary flavor.

2. Salads

• Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is an excellent side to balance the richness of the garlic butter chicken. The peppery arugula adds a refreshing bite to the meal.
• Mediterranean Salad: A tangy Mediterranean salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.

3. Bread

• Garlic Bread: For garlic lovers, a side of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment. Toasted baguette slices with garlic butter and fresh parsley can help scoop up the delicious sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are also a great option for sopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

Reheating:

• In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and asparagus on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the chicken and asparagus on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Pro Tip: If you have leftover garlic butter sauce, store it separately in a small container in the fridge. It can be drizzled over the chicken and asparagus when reheating to maintain the rich flavor.

Conclusion:

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus is a perfect dish that combines fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and easy preparation. It’s a healthy, delicious meal that works well for a weeknight dinner or for hosting guests. The key to success lies in the balance of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and rich butter, which comes together to create a mouthwatering sauce that enhances both the chicken and the asparagus.

By following these steps and using a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful, satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe’s ingredients to make it uniquely yours!

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and nourishing. The balance of lemon’s brightness, the savory richness of garlic butter, and the tender chicken combined with crispy asparagus creates a winning dish.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish has versatility, flavor, and convenience. Don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your preferences, and consider pairing it with your favorite side dishes to elevate the experience.

By following the tips and instructions above, you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and simple enough to prepare on any night. Bon appétit!

Yield: 4

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus Recipe

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This recipe combines the zesty tang of lemon, the savory richness of garlic butter, and the tenderness of roasted chicken with the crisp, green freshness of asparagus. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, yet packed with flavor. The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken and asparagus, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.
4. Coat the Chicken: Pour about half of the lemon garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Prepare the Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus around the chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss the asparagus to coat evenly.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the asparagus is tender.
7. Optional Step: Halfway through baking, you can spoon the remaining lemon garlic butter over the chicken to add extra flavor.
8. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken Thickness: Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Thicker breasts may need a few extra minutes to cook through. To speed up cooking and ensure even cooking, consider pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness.

Asparagus Doneness: Asparagus can be baked to your preferred texture. If you like it crispy and slightly charred, check it at the 15-minute mark. For more tender asparagus, let it cook for up to 25 minutes.

Basting the Chicken: Basting the chicken with the garlic butter halfway through baking helps to keep it moist and ensures the sauce infuses the chicken. If you want extra richness, consider basting the chicken every 10 minutes during cooking.

Customization: The garlic butter sauce can be customized with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or fresh basil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

Substituting Vegetables: While asparagus is a great choice, you can easily swap it for other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. Adjust the cooking times based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they cook properly alongside the chicken.

Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and asparagus in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.