Garlic and Thyme Sear Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

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

Succulent chicken breasts seared until golden, finished with a garlic-thyme butter sauce, and served with tender asparagus roasted in olive oil and lemon zest. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb, keto) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken bakes, toss 12 ounces trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then slice. Drizzle with garlic-thyme butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Serve with roasted asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Thyme Sear Chicken with Roasted 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 Garlic and Thyme Sear Chicken with Roasted 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 Garlic and Thyme Sear Chicken with Roasted 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 Garlic and Thyme Sear Chicken with Roasted 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 Garlic and Thyme Sear Chicken with Roasted Asparagus low-carb?

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

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