Keto Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus
A zesty keto dish featuring tender chicken breast glazed with lemon-herb sauce, paired with crisp asparagus for a nutrient-packed, low-carb meal. This international-inspired keto (keto, high protein) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken breast, asparagus, heavy cream 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 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.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken breast
- 200g asparagus
- 100ml heavy cream
- 30g butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tbsp thyme. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 2: While chicken roasts, toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and remaining 1/2 tbsp thyme. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast alongside the chicken for 10-12 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, heavy cream, and remaining 1/2 tbsp thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken and asparagus to a serving plate. Spoon the lemon-herb sauce over the top and garnish with fresh thyme.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keto Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 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 Keto Lemon Herb 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Lemon Herb 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 Keto Lemon Herb Chicken with 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 Keto Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better keto dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
