Crisp-Cooked Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

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

Juicy chicken breasts seared in garlic butter with perfectly crisp-tender asparagus, finished with a hint of lemon. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken breasts, butter, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 425 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 425 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.5 pounds trimmed asparagus and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender with slight char on edges.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the asparagus. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over everything and add lemon slices. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Cooked Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Crisp-Cooked Garlic Butter 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 Crisp-Cooked Garlic Butter 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 Crisp-Cooked Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Crisp-Cooked Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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