Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Asparagus
Golden-brown chicken breasts paired with tender-crisp roasted asparagus, seasoned simply with lemon and herbs for a balanced keto-friendly meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (4 oz) boneless chicken breast, avocado oil, lemon juice 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (4 oz) boneless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Slice chicken and serve with roasted asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted 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 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 avocado oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Asparagus?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious, I'll make this again and again.
- ★★★★★
My kids loved the chicken and the asparagus was a hit too.
- ★★★★★
This was a perfect weeknight dinner! The chicken was juicy and the asparagus was tender.
