Description
A delicious and healthy dish featuring seared chicken breasts and tender asparagus, all tossed in a vibrant lemon garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed woody ends)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
- salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and gently pound to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half of the minced garlic.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Push the chicken to the side of the pan or remove temporarily. Add the asparagus to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender yet crisp and lightly charred in spots.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then squeeze in the juice of the lemon. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the mixture bubble gently for 1 minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet or keep it on a warm plate. Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken and asparagus, letting it simmer for a minute or two to meld the flavors.
- Finish by adding a small pat of butter for richness, if desired, and let it melt into the sauce. Rest the chicken for 3 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the chicken breasts, arrange the asparagus alongside, and drizzle with the pan sauce. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges for a fresh burst.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Substitute asparagus with other vegetables like broccoli or green beans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast and asparagus
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg