Lemon-Asparagus Chicken with Fresh Herbs

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

Juicy chicken breasts baked with lemon-infused asparagus and aromatic fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb, keto) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, avocado oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add asparagus and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup water. Cover and bake for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and basil, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Asparagus Chicken with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Asparagus Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Asparagus Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon-Asparagus Chicken with Fresh Herbs 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 Lemon-Asparagus Chicken with Fresh Herbs low carb?

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

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