Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Butter and Asparagus

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

Tender chicken breasts in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with crisp-tender asparagus, ready in 25 minutes for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Boneless chicken breasts, Asparagus spears, Unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside, leaving drippings in skillet.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp butter to skillet, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and toss to coat, cooking for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp fresh thyme, and cook for 1 minute to absorb flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Butter and Asparagus 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 Garlic Butter and 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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Butter and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Butter and Asparagus 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 Garlic Butter and Asparagus high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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