One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Asparagus
Succulent chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and enveloped in a rich, garlicky herb sauce with tender asparagus, all cooked in a single skillet for a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner. This american-inspired one pot (keto) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 24 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the 24 oz chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 2: Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium heat, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning. Add the 1 lb trimmed asparagus and 1/4 tsp salt, tossing to coat, and cook for 4-5 minutes until vibrant green and crisp-tender with slight char at the edges.
- Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the asparagus. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, and the juice from 1/2 lemon. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and the chicken is heated through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Asparagus 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 One-Pan Garlic 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 asparagus from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Garlic 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 One-Pan Garlic Herb 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 One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Asparagus keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
