Low-Sodium Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus
A simple yet elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with bright lemon and herbs, accompanied by perfectly roasted asparagus that's light on salt but big on flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low-sodium) ready in about 34 minutes pairs lemon juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary 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 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
- 4 (6 oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bunch (12 oz), trimmed asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Step 2: Toss 1 bunch (12 oz) trimmed asparagus with 2 tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the asparagus. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until chicken registers 165°F (74°C) internally and the asparagus is tender with slightly charred edges.
- Step 3: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. The chicken should feel firm to the touch and the juices should run clear. Serve immediately, spooning any pan drippings over the chicken and asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Sodium Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 34 minutes (10 min prep + 24 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 Low-Sodium Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted 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 lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Sodium Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted 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 Low-Sodium Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted 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 Low-Sodium Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus low-sodium?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.