Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Asparagus

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

Pan-seared chicken breasts with fresh lemon and tarragon, served with roasted asparagus. This french-inspired chicken (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 bunch trimmed asparagus to the skillet, tossing to coat in oil. Cook for 8 minutes until crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped tarragon. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Tarragon 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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Tarragon 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 Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Asparagus 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-Tarragon Chicken with Asparagus gluten-free?

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

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