Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Zest

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

Tender chicken breast and crisp asparagus brightened with fresh lemon and herbs, ready in under 20 minutes. This American-inspired low-carb recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs chicken breast, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 oz cubed chicken breast and 2 minced garlic cloves, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 oz trimmed and cut asparagus to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Zest?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Zest?

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 Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Zest low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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