Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon-Butter Asparagus

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

Juicy chicken breasts seared with garlic and herbs, served atop tender asparagus drizzled with a tangy lemon-butter sauce. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free, low-carb) ready in about 50 minutes pairs minced garlic, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 233 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 233 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking dish, season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Top with 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp olive oil, then drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  2. Step 2: Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then set aside to rest.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Slice rested chicken and serve with roasted asparagus, drizzled with lemon-butter sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon-Butter Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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-Herb Chicken with Lemon-Butter 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 minced garlic from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon-Butter 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-Herb Chicken with Lemon-Butter 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 Garlic-Herb Chicken with Lemon-Butter Asparagus gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, 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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