Lemon-Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Juicy chicken breasts baked with fresh herbs and lemon, paired with crisp asparagus and sweet cherry tomatoes for a simple, healthy weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten-free, low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange asparagus around chicken and scatter cherry tomatoes on the sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and asparagus is tender-crisp, basting once with pan juices halfway through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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-Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?

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-Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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-Herb Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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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