why make this recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus is a great choice for a comforting and nutritious meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a zesty butter sauce that packs a flavor punch. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Plus, everything bakes together on one sheet, making cleanup a breeze!
how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Add the asparagus around the chicken on the baking sheet, drizzling it with a bit of olive oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the asparagus is tender.
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving (optional).
how to serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus straight from the oven, hot and garnished with fresh parsley if you like. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad to complete your meal.
how to store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
To store leftovers, let the chicken and asparagus cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
tips to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
- Make sure to coat the chicken well with the garlic butter mixture for maximum flavor.
- You can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- For more lemon flavor, feel free to add extra lemon juice and zest.
variation
You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer darker meat. Additionally, feel free to switch up the herbs based on your taste; thyme or rosemary could work nicely too!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking for even baking.
2. What can I substitute for asparagus?
You can use other vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or zucchini if you don’t have asparagus.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Just double-check other products you use to ensure they are gluten-free.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus
A comforting and nutritious meal combining tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a zesty butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Add the asparagus around the chicken on the baking sheet, drizzling it with a bit of olive oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the asparagus is tender.
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To store leftovers, let the chicken and asparagus cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, asparagus, baked, lemon garlic, dinner, easy weeknight meal