Quick Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Recipe: Zesty Delight

Crispy, golden lemon chicken dances with vibrant asparagus in a skillet that promises pure culinary magic.

Zesty citrus notes brighten each tender bite of perfectly seared protein.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in minutes.

Fresh ingredients create a symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Delicate spices complement the natural sweetness of asparagus while chicken remains irresistibly juicy.

Quick cooking techniques ensure maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Dive into this delightful meal that transforms weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

What Makes Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe So Good

• Create a Flavor Explosion: This recipe bursts with zesty lemon, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken that dances on your taste buds.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Dish: Prepare a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, without needing professional chef skills.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Combine lean protein from chicken and nutrient-packed asparagus in a single skillet, minimizing cooking mess and maximizing health benefits.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Craft a delicious meal in minimal time, perfect for busy families or individuals craving a satisfying dinner without complicated preparation.

Items For Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of this delicious skillet dish.

• Asparagus: A fresh and crisp green vegetable that adds nutritional value and a delightful texture to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: A rich and creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce for the chicken and asparagus.
• Parmesan Cheese: A flavorful cheese that adds depth and a slight salty tang to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: A zesty condiment that provides a subtle tangy kick to the creamy sauce.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that brings a bright and clean flavor to the final dish.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus elements that add a vibrant and refreshing taste to the entire recipe.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps in searing the chicken and provides a smooth cooking surface.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Lemon Slices: A decorative and flavorful addition that brings a fresh citrus element to the presentation.

Steps For Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Blend salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together. Pat chicken breasts dry and thoroughly coat them with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Crisp Asparagus

In the same skillet, add trimmed asparagus. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain tender-crisp. Remove asparagus and place alongside the chicken.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese

Stir ingredients and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Warm Ingredients

Return chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Gently coat everything with the creamy sauce. Simmer for additional 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Chopped parsley
• Fresh lemon slices

Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant, flavorful dish.

Helpful Advice For Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Asparagus Texture Trick: Select fresh, firm asparagus and trim the woody ends for the best crisp-tender result in your skillet.
• Sauce Thickening Technique: Reduce sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth consistency without burning.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-carb version that maintains rich flavor.
• Quick Meal Prep: Slice chicken and chop asparagus in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Easy Changes For Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe

• Herb-Crusted Variation: Replace the original seasoning with a blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, keeping the same cooking technique and sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Edition: Replace asparagus with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the recipe's core flavor profile.

Best Foods With Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon's brightness and cuts through the creamy sauce, enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Herb Focaccia: Rustic bread with herbs provides a perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich, tangy sauce, adding texture and an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: A light, refreshing side dish with mixed roasted vegetables and quinoa balances the creamy chicken, adding nutritional value and a contrasting texture.
• Complement with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: A homemade lemon-infused sparkling water with a hint of mint creates a refreshing drink that mirrors the recipe's citrusy notes and cleanses the palate.

Storing Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe Right

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and asparagus are completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken and asparagus on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a little cream or broth to restore sauce consistency.

Questions On Creamy Lemon Chicken And Asparagus Skillet Recipe

• Why should I sear the chicken before cooking it in the sauce?

Searing locks in the chicken’s juices, creates a delicious golden-brown crust, and adds rich, deep flavor to the meat before it enters the creamy sauce.

• Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Fresh asparagus works best for this recipe because frozen asparagus can become mushy and release too much water, which might thin out the creamy sauce.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly, absorb flavors well, and provide a lean protein base for the dish.

Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon chicken and asparagus skillet brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Juicy chicken and tender asparagus create a perfect harmony of fresh, tangy notes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, searing for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
5. In the same skillet, add trimmed asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes, maintaining a crisp-tender texture.
6. Remove asparagus and set aside with the chicken.
7. Reduce skillet heat to medium and pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.
8. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Return chicken and asparagus to the skillet, gently coating with the creamy sauce.
10. Simmer everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and reheat ingredients.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
12. Plate and enjoy the creamy, tangy chicken and asparagus skillet while hot.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote more uniform heating.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing chicken to maintain high heat and achieve beautiful caramelization.
• Use fresh asparagus with firm, bright green stalks for the best flavor and crisp-tender texture.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more chicken broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
• Quickly zest lemon before juicing to capture maximum citrus flavor and aromatic oils.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg