Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where this Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus recipe comes to the rescue! This delicious dish combines tender chicken breast, fresh asparagus, and a velvety lemon garlic cream sauce that will make your taste buds dance. The aroma of sautéed garlic and shallots mingling with zesty lemon will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to dinner. What makes this Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus stand out isn’t just its incredible flavor but also how effortlessly it comes together in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for an impromptu gathering, this easy one-pan lemon garlic chicken with asparagus will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

• ✅ Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus takes just 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
• ✅ The flavorful lemon garlic chicken with asparagus creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort
• ✅ This one-pan dinner Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus means less cleanup and more family time
• ✅ The creamy garlic sauce chicken and asparagus combination provides a balanced meal with protein and vegetables in one dish
• ✅ This easy Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus recipe uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have

Ingredients for Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste (adjust for preferred spice level)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced shallots (or red onion as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free variation)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs for garnish (optional)

The essential ingredients for Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus are simple yet create complex flavors when combined. For the best lemon garlic chicken and asparagus skillet meal, use fresh asparagus that’s in season and good quality chicken breasts.

How to Make Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, Italian herb seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
3. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and starts to bubble.
2. Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary).
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
2. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
4. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften but still retains some crispness.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
7. Stir in the grated pecorino Romano cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce.
2. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

• Chicken Thickness: For the most tender quick lemon garlic chicken and asparagus meal, ensure your chicken pieces are of uniform thickness. You can pound them slightly if needed.
• Asparagus Selection: Choose asparagus stalks of medium thickness for this creamy chicken asparagus dinner recipe. Very thin stalks can overcook quickly, while very thick ones may remain too firm.
• Sauce Consistency: If your creamy garlic sauce chicken and asparagus is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the components of this Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it separately, then make the sauce and asparagus just before serving.
• Wine Pairing: For the best flavor enhancement, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream for an extra layer of flavor in your one-pan lemon garlic chicken with asparagus.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

This flavorful lemon garlic chicken with asparagus is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Fluffy white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing for freshness
• Roasted baby potatoes for a heartier meal
• A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemony flavors

For an elegant presentation of your Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus, arrange the chicken pieces and asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of additional grated cheese and fresh herbs.

Nutritional Information for Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg

This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus provides an excellent source of protein while the asparagus adds essential vitamins and minerals including folate, vitamins A, C, and K.

Storage & Leftovers

This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus stores well, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze for up to 1 month and reheat gently.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat your creamy lemon garlic chicken with seasonal vegetables is in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make creamy one-pan lemon garlic chicken and asparagus?

To make Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus, you’ll coat chicken in seasoned flour, pan-sear it, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté shallots and garlic, add asparagus, then create a sauce with heavy cream, lemon juice, and cheese. Return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking in the sauce, creating a delicious one-pan meal in about 30 minutes.

What are the main ingredients for creamy one-pan lemon garlic chicken and asparagus?

The main ingredients for Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus are boneless chicken breast, fresh asparagus, shallots, garlic, heavy cream, lemon juice, and pecorino Romano cheese. You’ll also need some basic spices like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors of this easy one-pan lemon garlic chicken recipe.

Can you substitute asparagus in creamy one-pan lemon garlic chicken?

Yes, you can substitute asparagus in Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus. Great alternatives include green beans, broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. Each vegetable will offer a slightly different flavor profile but will work well with the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables cook faster or slower than asparagus.

How long does it take to cook creamy one-pan lemon garlic chicken and asparagus?

It takes approximately 30 minutes to cook Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus from start to finish. This includes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes of actual cooking time, making it an ideal quick lemon garlic chicken and asparagus meal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion

This Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With its rich, velvety sauce brightened by fresh lemon, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked asparagus, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The beauty of this one-pan dinner creamy lemon garlic chicken recipe is that it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and cleanup.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this versatile dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with easy substitutions available, you can adapt it to accommodate different dietary needs or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Have you tried making this Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus recipe? Let us know in the comments below how it turned out, or share your own tips and variations! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends and family who appreciate delicious, efficient cooking.

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