Grilled Lemon-Cilantro Chicken with Asparagus

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

Marinated in zesty lemon and cilantro, grilled with crisp asparagus for a fresh summer dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten-free, low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) Chicken breasts, Lemon, Cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, zest and juice of 2 lemons, 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, turning to coat completely. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Trim and cut 1 bunch (12 oz) asparagus into 2-inch pieces. Thread onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, and grill asparagus for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until crisp-tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Cilantro Chicken with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Grilled Lemon-Cilantro 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Cilantro 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 Grilled Lemon-Cilantro 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 Grilled Lemon-Cilantro Chicken with 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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