Crisp-Skillet Garlic Herb Chicken with Asparagus

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

Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection with aromatic garlic and herbs, served alongside tender-crisp asparagus in a simple pan sauce. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 548 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 548 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add asparagus to skillet, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice, and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Skillet Garlic Herb Chicken with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Skillet Garlic Herb 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Skillet Garlic Herb 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-Skillet Garlic Herb 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.

Is Crisp-Skillet Garlic Herb Chicken with Asparagus low-carb?

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

What others are saying