Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Asparagus

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with zesty lemon and cracked black pepper, served alongside tender charred asparagus spears. This american-inspired chicken (high protein, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cracked black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt. Brush this mixture evenly over 2 chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, toss 1 bunch of asparagus spears with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Grill asparagus for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and asparagus from grill. Sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest over asparagus for a fresh finish. Serve chicken sliced with asparagus alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred 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 Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred 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 lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred 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-Pepper Chicken with Charred 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 Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Asparagus high protein?

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

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