Description
Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken baked with asparagus delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Zesty flavors and tender chicken create a simple yet elegant meal that promises satisfaction and delights palates with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs/680 grams)
Vegetables:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F, creating an optimal roasting environment for the chicken and asparagus.
- Position chicken breasts in a single, even layer across a spacious baking sheet, allowing uniform heat distribution.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together melted butter, crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, smooth olive oil, aromatic oregano, smoky paprika, and seasoning.
- Generously coat each chicken breast with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring thorough and even coverage.
- Artfully arrange fresh asparagus spears around the chicken, lightly drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and asparagus becomes tender and slightly crisp.
- Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous touch to the golden-brown chicken and roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry before applying butter mixture to help seasonings adhere better and create a crispy exterior.
- For a low-carb and keto-friendly version, replace olive oil with avocado oil and use ghee instead of butter.
- Swap asparagus with other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or broccoli to add variety and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg