Chicken and Asparagus Recipe: 20 Minute Amazing Dinner

I was running around like crazy last Tuesday trying to figure out what to put on the table. The kids were yelling and the house was a mess and I just needed something fast. I found a pack of chicken and some green stalks in the fridge and decided to just throw them together. It turned out so good that I have been making it every week since then. The fresh snap of the vegetables paired with that tender meat makes this a total favorite in my house. I have tested this version so many times now to make sure the chicken stays juicy while the greens stay nice and crisp.

Why You Will Love This Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

You are going to love this because it is incredibly fast. We are talking less than thirty minutes from the moment you start chopping to the moment you take your first bite. It is a total one pan wonder which means you have way fewer dishes to wash when you are done. The vibrant green colors look amazing and the fresh lemon aroma will make your whole kitchen smell like a fancy restaurant. It is healthy and light but still fills you up.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

Gather up these simple things from your pantry and fridge. You will need a couple of chicken breasts and a big bunch of fresh asparagus. Make sure you have some minced garlic and good olive oil on hand. We are going to use chicken broth to get all those tasty brown bits off the pan. Using chicken broth instead of wine gives the dish a really rich and savory flavor that everyone loves. You will also want a fresh lemon to squeeze over everything at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

I know it can be a bit confusing to figure out when to add the veggies. Nobody wants a plate of mushy greens. I have a simple roadmap for you so everything comes out perfectly timed and delicious.

Preparing the Ingredients

First things first you need to cut your chicken into uniform one inch cubes. This is important because it helps every piece cook at the exact same speed. For the asparagus you want to trim off those tough woody ends. I just bend the stalk until it snaps at its natural breaking point and toss the bottom part away.

Searing the Chicken

Get your olive oil nice and hot in a large pan over medium high heat. Toss the chicken in but do not move it around too much right away. You want to wait for a beautiful golden brown crust to form before you flip the pieces. This is the secret to locking in all those delicious juices so the meat does not get dry.

Sautéing the Asparagus and Creating the Sauce

Now you can throw in the asparagus and the minced garlic. Stir it all around for a minute until the garlic smells amazing. Pour in your chicken broth and the lemon juice. This creates a light and bright sauce that coats every single piece of chicken and vegetable in the pan. Let it bubble for just a minute until the liquid reduces a bit.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

If you have a cast iron skillet you should definitely use it for this. It holds onto the heat so much better than a thin pan. My biggest piece of advice is to watch that asparagus like a hawk. You want it to be fork tender but it should still have a slight crunch when you bite into it. If it turns dark dull green you have probably cooked it a bit too long.

Customizing Your Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

You can totally change this up depending on what you have in the house. We sometimes make this using beef strips instead of chicken for a much heartier version. If you like a little bit of a kick you can toss in some red pepper flakes while the sauce is simmering. It adds a nice heat that goes great with the lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

I get asked a lot if you can use frozen asparagus for this. You can use it if you are in a pinch but just know it might be a little softer than the fresh kind. People also ask how long this stays fresh in the fridge. It is great for meal prep and stays good for about three days in an airtight container. Just reheat it quickly so the chicken stays tender.

Nutritional Information for This Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

This is a fantastic low carb and high protein meal option for anyone trying to eat a bit cleaner. Each serving has approximately 280 calories and a massive 35 grams of protein. You are only looking at about 8 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of healthy fats. It is a meal that makes you feel good after you eat it.

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