In the midst of a busy week, we all crave a meal that’s both delectable and effortless to prepare. That’s where this One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus comes into play! Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly sautéed asparagus, and a creamy, zesty sauce that wraps everything in velvety goodness—all made in a single pan in just 30 minutes. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits beautifully into a low-carb or keto lifestyle, with each serving boasting only 7g of net carbs.
This recipe was inspired by my longing for a fresh, vibrant meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. With just a handful of easy-to-source ingredients, you can whip up a dinner that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant, making it perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself. Ready to transform your weeknight dinners? Let’s get cooking!
Why is One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus a Game Changer?
Simplicity is key: This dish requires just one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and time spent in the kitchen.
Flavor explosion: Savory garlic and zesty lemon work together perfectly, elevating basic ingredients into a gourmet meal.
Quick preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can sit down to a satisfying dinner, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Low-carb appeal: With only 7g net carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets.
Versatile options: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a different twist each time.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress family and guests with a meal that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for everyday dining.
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless cuts shorten your cooking time and provide a lean protein source.
- Italian Seasoning – This blend adds a burst of herby flavor; substitute with fresh herbs if available.
- Crushed Red Pepper – Add a pinch for heat; skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Olive Oil – A healthy fat that’s perfect for cooking the chicken, though other oils can be used too.
For the Asparagus & Sauce
- Butter – Introduces a creamy richness to the sauce; opt for all olive oil if you want to keep it dairy-free.
- Asparagus – Fresh, vibrant stalks add color and crunch; feel free to swap with broccoli or green beans.
- Onion (minced) – Offers depth to the flavor profile; shallots can work as an alternative.
- Garlic (minced) – A vital aromatic that lends depth to the dish; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder will suffice.
- Heavy Cream – This is the secret to the creamy sauce; half-and-half is a lighter option if desired.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish with its tang; always choose freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) – A sprinkle adds cheesy goodness; it can be omitted or substituted with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus meal that will delight your taste buds while keeping your carb count in check.
How to Make One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus
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Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced onion and asparagus. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender and bright green. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice into the pan, stirring gently to combine everything. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it at this stage for a creamy finish.
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Combine: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and allow it to simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth for the desired consistency.
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Serve: Plate your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus while hot, making sure to spoon some of that luscious sauce over the top. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon zest to add a pop of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Watch the Cream: Keep heavy cream from boiling when adding lemon juice to avoid curdling. Stir gently for the best results.
- Thickness Matters: Adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of chicken; thicker pieces may take longer to cook through completely.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce doesn’t thicken as expected, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) for an easy fix.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of white wine during the sauce stage for an enriched flavor profile in your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well! Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge for an easy, satisfying meal later.
What to Serve with One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus?
Complement your delightful meal with these ideal pairings that enhance the flavors while creating a complete dining experience.
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Garlicky Breadsticks: These buttery, soft breadsticks soak up the creamy sauce perfectly, adding comforting carbs to your plate.
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Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a zing to your meal, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce while introducing a delightful crunch.
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Roasted Cauliflower: The nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower brings a delightful texture contrast and pairs wonderfully with the lemon garlic tones.
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Zucchini Noodles: These are a healthy, low-carb option that neatly catch the creamy sauce, providing a light, flavorful base for the chicken.
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Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa adds a nutty, wholesome element, making for an excellent base that soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing lemon sorbet brings a cool, tart conclusion to your meal, echoing the flavors of the main dish.
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White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc makes for an elegant pairing, enhancing the citrus notes brilliantly while complementing your chicken dish.
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Tiramisu: If you fancy something sweet, this classic Italian dessert offers a creamy indulgence, providing a lovely finish after the savory main course.
Storage Tips for One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus
Fridge: Store leftover chicken and asparagus in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to freeze your dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Be careful not to overcook to maintain the dish’s juicy texture.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the chicken out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage. Enjoy your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus at its best!
Make Ahead Options
These One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and even cook the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can chop the asparagus and onions ahead of time, keeping them fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet, add the sautéed vegetables, pour in the creamy sauce, and simmer until heated through. This not only saves time on busy weeknights but also means you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready with minimal effort—just as fabulous as if you made it fresh!
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Variations
Feel free to tailor this delightful dish to suit your taste and dietary needs—let your creativity shine!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a creamy texture without the dairy.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken to make it suitable for seafood lovers or plant-based eaters, adding a fresh twist!
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate quick-cooking veggies like snap peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrients while maintaining the flavor harmony.
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha to take the heat level up a notch—perfect for those who love a little zing!
- Flavorful Wine: Include a splash of white wine during the sauce-making process for extra depth in flavor, creating a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
- Zesty Twist: Mix in lemon zest along with the juice to amplify the citrusy brightness throughout the dish—it’s a small addition that offers great rewards!
- Pasta Add-In: Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa to transform this into a more filling meal that’s perfect for the whole family.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme, either while cooking or as a garnish, to add aromatic dimension to your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus.
Let these variations inspire you, and don’t hesitate to mix and match until you find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe! They cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re in the mood for a different protein, you can opt for tender chicken thighs. They might add a bit more flavor, but the cooking times will be similar.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it cool down completely before sealing it up to maintain its freshness!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! To freeze your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus, divide it into portion-sized servings in freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. It should stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat. Adding a splash of cream or broth will help restore the creamy texture when reheating.
What if my sauce doesn’t thicken?
No problem at all! If the sauce is too thin for your liking, simply whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce while it simmers, allowing it to cook for another minute until it thickens up nicely.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
This dish is low in carbs, making it suitable for keto diets, as it contains only 7g net carbs per serving. If you’re serving this to guests who may have dairy allergies, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Always check the ingredients you choose to ensure they meet any allergy needs!
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus in 30 Minutes!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced onion and asparagus. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender and bright green. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice into the pan, stirring gently to combine everything. If using Parmesan cheese, add it at this stage for a creamy finish.
- Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and allow it to simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth for the desired consistency.
- Plate your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus while hot, making sure to spoon some of that luscious sauce over the top. Enjoy every delicious bite!