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Easy Zesty One-Pan Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring zesty lemon chicken breasts and tender-crisp asparagus, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g, trimmed)
  • 1 large fresh lemon (juice and zest)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  3. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon. Set aside lemon zest for later; juice the lemon and measure out about 2 tablespoons.
  4. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts skin-side down (if skin-on). Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to get a golden crust.
  5. Flip the chicken breasts and add butter, garlic, and lemon juice to the pan. Spoon the melted butter and lemon sauce over the chicken while it cooks for another 2 minutes.
  6. Toss asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then nestle them around the chicken in the pan.
  7. Transfer the skillet (or pan) to the oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle lemon zest and chopped parsley over everything. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a crispier skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow asparagus to roast properly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest after cooking for juiciness. For dairy-free, omit butter and add extra olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, one-pan recipe, asparagus, easy dinner, quick meal, healthy chicken, weeknight dinner, zesty chicken

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-zesty-one-pan-lemon-chicken-and-asparagus-recipe-perfect-for-beginners/