Herb-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Bake
Tender chicken breasts baked with a creamy herb sauce and crisp-tender asparagus for a balanced keto meal. This american-inspired chicken (keto) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, olive oil, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (4 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 10 oz, trimmed asparagus
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then set aside.
- Step 3: Add trimmed asparagus to the baking dish and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly browned.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Step 6: Pour the cream sauce over the chicken and garnish with extra parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Bake 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Bake?
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 breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Bake?
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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Bake 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Bake keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Loved the herb crust! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★★
The asparagus was perfectly crisp, and the chicken juicy.
