Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon, Dill, and Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with crisp-tender asparagus in a bright lemon-dill sauce. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 General cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides 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 breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add the 12 oz asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp fresh dill, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken and asparagus in the skillet, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon, Dill, and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon, Dill, 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon, Dill, 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 Lemon, Dill, and 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon, Dill, and Asparagus?

General chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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