Pan-Seared Chicken with Asparagus and Lemon

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

A simple, elegant dinner where chicken breast meets tender asparagus in a bright lemon-infused pan sauce. This american-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pound asparagus, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken, then add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and add 1 pound trimmed asparagus, cooking for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, add 1 lemon's zest and 1 tablespoon juice, and cook for 1 minute until asparagus is tender and sauce coats the back of a spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Asparagus and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Asparagus and Lemon?

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 pound asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Asparagus and Lemon?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Asparagus and Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Asparagus and Lemon keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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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