Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Asparagus

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

Roasted with fresh lemon and garlic, paired with tender asparagus spears for a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs thinly sliced lemon, minced garlic, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (each about 6 oz) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 1 lemon, thinly sliced, and 4 minced garlic cloves over the chicken. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Roasted Lemon-Garlic 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 thinly sliced lemon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Lemon-Garlic 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 Roasted Lemon-Garlic 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.

What goes well with Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Asparagus?

Mediterranean 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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