Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus is a quick and flavorful one-skillet dinner that combines tender chicken with crisp asparagus and a bright lemon-butter sauce. This simple stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights and features the delicious flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s an easy recipe that’s both light and satisfying, with the option to customize it with various veggies or add-ins.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 1 lb asparagus, sliced diagonally into ¾-inch pieces

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed

• ⅓ cup chicken stock

• 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or basil (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a medium mixing bowl, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the flour and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.

2. Cook the Veggies:

   • In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and lightly season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes.

   • Add the garlic and continue sautéing for 1 minute. Transfer the mixture to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the remaining butter to the pan and swirl to coat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom turns golden.

   • Toss the chicken and continue cooking until lightly golden and cooked through.

4. Combine:

   • Add chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

   • Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, cooked asparagus, and a twist of black pepper. Toss to combine and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Serve:

   • Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

   • Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs like dill or basil.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approx. 313 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Sodium: 344mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 7g

• Vitamin A: 867 IU

• Vitamin C: 22mg

• Calcium: 68mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Chicken: Tender and Flavorful

The base of this dish is the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces. The chicken is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then lightly coated in flour, which helps create a golden crust when cooked. The flour also helps thicken the sauce slightly as it combines with the chicken stock, giving the dish a rich, flavorful base. The chicken is cooked until it turns golden brown, creating a delicious contrast with the fresh vegetables and tangy lemon sauce.

The Asparagus: Fresh and Crisp

Asparagus plays a key role in this dish, adding both texture and flavor. When sliced diagonally into ¾-inch pieces, it cooks quickly and maintains a delightful crispness. The asparagus is sautéed in butter, lightly seasoned, and then added to the pan to combine with the chicken. The slight bitterness of the asparagus is a great contrast to the richness of the chicken and the brightness of the lemon, creating a perfect balance in each bite.

Lemon Butter Sauce: Bright and Flavorful

The lemon butter sauce is where this dish really comes to life. Made with lemon zest and lemon juice, the sauce has a refreshing, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and asparagus. The addition of garlic and chicken stock enhances the sauce, while the butter adds richness and helps bring everything together. The sauce is deglazed with chicken stock, scraping up the browned bits from the pan, which intensifies the flavors and adds depth.

This bright, flavorful sauce coats the chicken and asparagus, adding moisture and a tangy finish. The lemon zest provides an aromatic element that elevates the dish, while the lemon juice adds a bit of acidity to balance out the richness of the butter and the savory chicken.

Customizing the Dish: A Versatile Recipe

One of the best aspects of Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus is its versatility. While asparagus is a great addition, this recipe can easily be adapted with different vegetables based on what you have on hand or your preferences. You can substitute asparagus with zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans, or add a variety of veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach.

Additionally, if you prefer a bit more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to give the dish a spicy kick. The fresh herbs, such as dill or basil, can be added at the end for a burst of freshness and an extra layer of flavor. These herbs complement the lemon and garlic beautifully, adding an aromatic touch that enhances the dish.

Serving and Enjoying Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus

Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus is perfect served on its own for a light meal or paired with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more filling dish. The zesty lemon sauce is ideal for drizzling over your chosen side, making this a well-rounded meal.

This dish is great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The one-skillet nature of the recipe makes it easy to clean up afterward, and it’s quick to put together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious yet simple.

Why Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus is Perfect for Weeknight Meals

This dish is ideal for weeknight meals because it’s quick, easy, and healthy. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the asparagus offers fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin A and C. The lemon butter sauce adds vibrant flavor without being too heavy, making it a refreshing choice for dinner. The ingredients are simple yet flavorful, and the dish comes together quickly, which makes it a go-to for those times when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus contains approximately 313 calories, making it a light yet satisfying meal. With 26 grams of protein per serving, it’s great for supporting muscle growth and repair. The 16 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat, provide richness from the butter, but the dish remains relatively balanced. The dish also offers 2 grams of fiber and 7 grams of sugar, much of which comes from the natural sugars in the asparagus and lemon.

This meal provides 22 milligrams of vitamin C, which supports immune health, and 867 IU of vitamin A, which is beneficial for vision and skin health. It also provides a small amount of calcium and iron, which are important for bone health and oxygen transport in the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Pepper Chicken and Asparagus is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights, offering a light yet satisfying meal with vibrant flavors. The recipe is versatile and can be customized with different vegetables or herbs, making it a go-to for any time of year. Whether served on its own or with a side of rice or potatoes, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.