Delicious Chicken and Asparagus Recipes for Every Occasion

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

The aroma of sautéed chicken mingling with fresh asparagus is a siren song for anyone who loves delicious food. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken breast surrounded by vibrant green stalks, the colors alone are enough to brighten any dinner table.

I fondly recall a family gathering where this dish stole the show—everyone was raving about how simple yet delicious it turned out. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those moments when you want to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful chicken and asparagus recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, saving you time in the kitchen
  • The flavor combination of savory chicken and fresh asparagus makes each bite a culinary delight
  • Its beautiful presentation will impress your guests while being versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions
  • Plus, it’s nutritious without sacrificing taste

My sister still talks about the time I made this dish for her birthday dinner—she couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many people you’re feeding.
  • Fresh Asparagus: Choose firm stalks with vibrant green color for the best flavor and texture.
  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on this tasty ingredient.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves bring a fragrant kick; always opt for fresh over powdered.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First things first, let’s get our cooking game on point.

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing the asparagus under cool water. Trim off the tough ends using a sharp knife. Chop your garlic cloves finely so they can infuse flavor into the dish.

Season the Chicken: Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper before drizzling with olive oil for an extra flavor boost.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a tablespoon of olive oil; once shimmering, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on one side.

Add Garlic and Asparagus: Flip the chicken over after about 5-7 minutes. Toss in your chopped garlic and fresh asparagus around the edges of the skillet; sauté until everything begins to soften.

Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything in the skillet as it cooks. This brightens up all those flavors beautifully. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Add Pine Nuts (optional): If using pine nuts, toss them into the skillet during the last couple of minutes of cooking to toast them slightly.

And there you have it—your colorful plate of Chicken and Asparagus is ready to dazzle your taste buds. Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful too.

You Must Know

  • Chicken and asparagus recipes are a delightful combination, offering flavor and nutrition
  • The vibrant colors and textures of this dish make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home
  • Don’t underestimate the power of fresh ingredients in elevating this meal

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. While it’s soaking up flavor, prep your asparagus. Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then add asparagus to the pan to cook together.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out asparagus for green beans or broccoli. Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or lemon zest to give your dish a unique twist. You can even toss in some cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing to achieve that beautiful crust
  • Lastly, let your chicken rest before slicing to keep all those juices locked in

Sometimes I think my love for cooking stems from my family’s enthusiastic feedback after trying my chicken and asparagus recipes; it’s like I’m their culinary superhero, swooping in to save dinner.

FAQs

FAQ

What are some good side dishes for chicken and asparagus recipes?

Quinoa salad or garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I use frozen asparagus in chicken and asparagus recipes?

Yes, but fresh asparagus offers better texture and flavor.

How do I know the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.

START OF TASTYYYYYYYYYYYY CARDDD

**Description: ** Enjoy a flavorful chicken and asparagus dish, perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare. This meal is ideal for impressing guests or a cozy weeknight dinner.

**Key Ingredients: **

– 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 bunch fresh asparagus

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 3 garlic cloves, minced

– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

**Preparation Instructions: **

1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse asparagus, trim tough ends, and finely chop garlic.

2. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.

3. Sauté Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown on one side (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Add Garlic and Asparagus: Flip chicken; add garlic and asparagus. Sauté until softened.

5. Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Add Pine Nuts (optional): Toss in toasted pine nuts during the last couple of minutes.

**Helpful Notes: **

– For added flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

– Feel free to substitute asparagus with green beans or broccoli for variety.

– Enhance the dish with cherry tomatoes for color and taste.

**Nutritional Information (per serving based on 4 servings): **

– Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)

– Calories: 360

– Sugar: 1g

– Sodium: 460mg

– Total Fat: 18g

– Saturated Fat: 2g

– Unsaturated Fat: 14g

– Trans Fat: 0g

– Carbohydrates: 8g

– Fiber: 3g

– Protein: 45g

– Cholesterol: 120mg

**Preparation Time: ** 10 minutes | **Cooking Time:** 15 minutes

**Yield: ** Serves 4

END OF TASTYYYYYYYY CARDDDDDDDDDD

Print

Chicken and Asparagus

Enjoy a delightful chicken and asparagus dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse asparagus, trim tough ends, and finely chop garlic.
  2. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Sauté Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown on one side (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Add Garlic and Asparagus: Flip chicken; add garlic and asparagus. Sauté until softened.
  5. Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. Add Pine Nuts (optional): Toss in toasted pine nuts during the last couple of minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Substitute asparagus with green beans or broccoli for variety. Enhance the dish with cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color.

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