Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts baked in a zesty lemon-herb sauce with crisp-tender asparagus, finished with a silky garlic cream sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breasts, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While chicken bakes, trim asparagus ends and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in 1 tbsp flour until no lumps remain, then slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped dill into the sauce, then add the roasted asparagus and toss gently. Slice chicken and serve immediately over the asparagus with sauce drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken with Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken with Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken with Asparagus?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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