The Best Lemon Chicken & Asparagus – Spring Recipes

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus recipe is perfect for springtime for a few reasons. This recipe is not only low in fat but also packed with protein and veggies, making it a healthy and delicious dinner option. It’s fast and easy… Perfect for busy weeknights!

Spring is one of our favorite times of the year when everything, including asparagus, comes alive after winter! Asparagus is one of the first spring vegetables available, and we love it this time of year… When it’s fresh!

The Perfect Spring Meal

Asparagus is one of the quintessential vegetables of spring. It’s a seasonal vegetable that’s at its peak freshness and flavor during the spring months. When you pair it with chicken, garlic, and lemon, which is a lean protein that’s perfect for healthy springtime meals, you have a winning combination. (If asparagus is not available to you, green beans also go nicely with this!)

The lemon and garlic in this recipe add a bright, fresh, flavor that’s perfect for the season. Lemons’ zesty citrus flavor pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp asparagus, making this a refreshing and light dish that’s perfect for warmer weather.

Finally, this recipe is low in fat, which makes it a great option for anyone looking to shed a few pounds before summer. With its lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is satisfying and healthy, making it the perfect addition to your springtime menu rotation.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is the perfect springtime dish that’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and health benefits.

Lemon Chicken with Asparagus Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless medium chicken breasts
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• lemon zest from 1 lemon
• lemon slices for garnish (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 a teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn the chicken to coat it evenly with the marinade, and let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Add 2 tablespoons butter to a non-stick large skillet or cast iron pan and heat to medium heat.
5. Pan-sear your chicken pieces just till they are golden brown… Do not try to cook all the way in the pan. They will finish cooking in the oven.
6. Remove browned chicken breast from the hot skillet and arrange them in a single layer with asparagus in the baking dish with the marinade.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender. Right cooking time will vary depending on your stove and chicken breasts.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Internal Temperature

The FDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli are killed, ensuring that the chicken is safe to eat.

To check the internal temperature of the chicken, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Wait a few seconds for the thermometer to register the temperature, and then check to see if it has reached 165°F (74°C).

It’s important to note that chicken can be overcooked, which can result in dry and tough meat. To ensure that your lemon garlic chicken is perfectly done, aim to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and then let it rest for a few minutes. The residual heat will continue to cook the chicken, bringing the internal temperature up to 165°F (74°C) while allowing the juices to redistribute and making the meat more tender and juicy.

It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lemon garlic chicken and to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety reasons. However, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help to ensure that it’s perfectly done and deliciously tender.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning is a popular seasoning blend that combines the bright and tangy flavors of lemon with the warm and spicy notes of black pepper. It can be a great addition to the lemon garlic chicken recipe, adding even more citrusy flavor to the dish.

To use lemon pepper seasoning in this recipe, you can sprinkle it over the chicken breasts along with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will ensure that the chicken is evenly seasoned and will have a nice lemony flavor.

When using lemon pepper seasoning, it’s important to remember that it can be quite strong and flavorful, so you may want to use it sparingly. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want to overpower the other flavors in the dish.

How to Store Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftover lemon garlic chicken with asparagus, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the dish stays fresh and delicious.

If you’re using plastic wrap to store the leftovers, you’ll want to make sure that the chicken and asparagus are wrapped tightly and securely. This will help to prevent air from getting in and causing the food to spoil or dry out. It’s also a good idea to place the wrapped leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to further protect them.

If you’re using an airtight container to store the leftovers, be sure to choose one that is the right size for the amount of food you have. You want to avoid using a container that is too large, as this can cause the food to dry out more quickly. Instead, choose a container that is just the right size for the amount of food you have, and make sure that the lid is on securely.

Whether you’re using plastic wrap or an airtight container, be sure to store the leftovers in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cooking. Leftovers should be consumed within three to four days to ensure that they stay fresh and safe to eat.

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Recipe

There are a variety of side dishes that would complement the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus recipe, depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Potato Salad Side

• Loaded Potato Salad – This Idaho potato salad may not be “light” but it’s delicious and goes perfectly with Lemon Chicken.

The creaminess of the potato salad can balance out the zesty and tangy flavors of the lemon garlic chicken. The cool and rich potato salad can provide a nice contrast to the hot and savory chicken, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Secondly, the loaded potato salad can add some extra texture to the dish. The crispy bacon, crunchy celery, and tender potatoes in the salad can complement the tender and juicy chicken and the crisp asparagus. The combination of different textures can create a more interesting and enjoyable eating experience.

Finally, the loaded potato salad can be a filling and comforting side dish that can make the meal feel more substantial. The high-carb content of the potatoes can provide an additional source of energy, while the protein and fat from the bacon and mayonnaise can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Loaded potato salad can be a great side dish to serve with lemon garlic chicken, as it can provide a nice contrast in flavor and texture while also adding some extra substance to the meal.

More Side Dish Ideas

• Fresh strawberry salad! Strawberries are also fresh this time of year, and their bright sweet flavor go excellent with the lemon chicken!
• Pasta Salad – Need I say more? Pasta salad is a light, carby salad with fresh veggies that pairs perfectly with Lemon Chicken!
• Sweet potatoes or candied yams!Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken. You could toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven while the chicken cooks. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the potatoes will provide a nice contrast to the tender chicken and crisp asparagus.
• Quinoa Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter side dish, a quinoa salad would be a great option. You could toss cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. The bright flavors and fresh ingredients in the salad will complement the lemon and garlic flavors in the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, garlic bread would be a great option. You could slice a baguette and brush it with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and parsley, then bake it in the oven until golden and crispy. The buttery, garlicky bread will be the perfect accompaniment to the tender chicken and crisp asparagus.
• Brown Rice: For a healthy and filling side dish, brown rice would be a great option. You could cook the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor and then serve it alongside the chicken and asparagus. The nutty flavor and chewy texture of the brown rice will complement the tender chicken and crisp asparagus.

There are many side dishes that would pair well with the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus recipe. Feel free to get creative and choose whatever fits your taste and preferences!