Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Skillet

Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Skillet

Serves: 3–4
Total time: ~30 minutes
Skill level: Easy but impressive 😌

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but great)

• ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Asparagus

• 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt & pepper

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of ½ lemon (optional but recommended)

• ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Extra black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prep everything first

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it brown).

• Toss chicken with paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

• Trim asparagus and keep them whole for a nice presentation.

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2️⃣ Cook the asparagus

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add 1 tbsp olive oil.

3. Lay asparagus in a single layer.

4. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until tender but still bright green with light char.

5. Season lightly with salt & pepper.

6. Remove from skillet and set aside.

👉 Don’t overcook — asparagus should still have a little bite.

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3️⃣ Sear the chicken

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.

2. Add chicken in one layer (cook in batches if needed).

3. Let it cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to get golden color.

4. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until cooked through.

5. Remove chicken and set aside.

🔥 High heat = better browning = better flavor.

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4️⃣ Make the lemon garlic butter sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.

2. Add butter to the skillet.

3. Once melted, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds (don’t burn it).

4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth.

5. Simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up all those browned bits (flavor gold).

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5️⃣ Bring it all together

1. Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce.

2. Add asparagus back in.

3. Spoon sauce over everything.

4. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and well coated.

5. Finish with parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.

Optional: add lemon slices right before serving for extra pop 🍋

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Pro Tips

• 🔥 Want extra color? Broil the skillet for 2 minutes at the end.

• 🧄 Love garlic? Add 1 extra clove at the end for punch.

• 🌶️ Like heat? Add chili flakes to the sauce.

• 🍷 No broth? White wine works beautifully.

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Serving Ideas

• Over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes

• With crusty bread to soak up the sauce

• Low-carb: serve as-is or with cauliflower mash