Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus. Picture succulent chicken bites mingling with tender asparagus, all coated in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce that will have your taste buds singing with every bite.

This dish is a true lifesaver for busy seasons when you crave a comforting meal without the stress. The golden seared chicken, paired with the vibrant green asparagus and the zesty butter sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Trust me, this Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus will disappear before you know it—it’s that good!

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is a winner. The versatility of swapping ingredients like chicken thighs or different herbs allows you to make it your own. So, whip up this flavorful dish, watch it vanish from plates, and revel in the joy of sharing a delicious meal with your loved ones. Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.

Quick Benefits

• Tender, juicy bites from boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Retains bright color and even cooking with blanched fresh asparagus
• Savory depth from Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
• Customizable heat level with hot sauce and chili pepper flakes

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe

• Flavorful and Easy: This recipe offers a burst of flavors with golden seared chicken, lemon-garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked asparagus, making it a delicious yet effortless meal for busy weeknights.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is a hit with its juicy chicken bites and tender asparagus, ensuring everyone cleans their plates.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap chicken thighs for breasts, try different herbs, or even use alternative veggies like broccolini or snap peas, allowing you to personalize the dish to your liking.
• Versatile Pairings: Enjoy this dish on its own, over rice or with crusty bread, or serve it with roasted potatoes, salad, or quinoa, offering a range of options to suit different preferences.
• Classic and Timeless: Combining classic flavors like lemon, herbs, and butter in a French-inspired sauce, this dish carries a timeless appeal that resonates across various cuisines, perfect for those who enjoy traditional home-cooked meals.
• Leftover Friendly: With easy reheating instructions and a storage life of up to three days in the fridge, this recipe ensures you can enjoy the dish multiple times with the same great taste and texture.
• Cooking Tips: The recipe provides helpful tips such as blanching asparagus for even cooking, cooking chicken in batches to ensure a perfect golden sear, and adjusting the spice level according to personal preference, making it beginner-friendly and foolproof.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables

• 2 bunches asparagus, rinsed and trimmed

Dairy

• 125 grams butter, divided (62 grams for chicken, 62 grams for sauce)

Oils

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Aromatics & Herbs

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley, plus additional for garnish
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided

Liquids & Condiments

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, e.g. Sriracha)
• 125 millilitres low-sodium chicken broth
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons onion powder

Garnish

• Lemon slices, for garnish

Pro Tips for Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

Pro Tips:

To ensure juicy and tender chicken bites, do not overcook the chicken breasts. Searing them until golden brown on the outside will help lock in the juices, making each bite flavorful.

For perfectly cooked asparagus, blanch the asparagus quickly in boiling water before adding them to the skillet. This step helps the asparagus cook evenly and retain its vibrant color, especially if you are using thicker stalks.

Experiment with different herbs and greens to customize the dish to your liking. Fresh rosemary or thyme can be excellent alternatives to Italian seasoning, while broccolini or snap peas can replace asparagus for a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients!

How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

Step 1: Season Chicken

Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and onion powder on a plate. Let it sit while you prepare the asparagus.

Step 2: Prepare Asparagus

Boil asparagus for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Drain and set aside. Skip blanching for thin asparagus.

Step 3: Brown Chicken

In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, heat half of the butter and olive oil. Brown chicken in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. Reduce heat, add minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, then remove chicken from skillet.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

In the skillet, sauté minced garlic with chicken broth to deglaze. Simmer until liquid reduces by half. Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, and minced parsley.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Add blanched asparagus to the sauce and toss for 2 minutes until cooked. Push asparagus to the side, return chicken to the skillet, and stir for 1 minute to reheat. Garnish with fresh parsley, chili flakes, and lemon slices. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After preparing the delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus dish, store any leftovers in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce and gently warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain the flavors and textures. It is recommended to avoid microwaving the dish to ensure that the asparagus stays fresh and retains its appealing texture.

For variations, consider using chicken thighs for a juicier bite or swapping the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Broccolini or snap peas can be substituted for asparagus to provide a different twist while still soaking up the flavorful garlic sauce. This versatile dish pairs well with rice, crusty bread, roasted potatoes, salads, or quinoa, allowing for a variety of serving options based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Experiment with different herbs, greens, or protein choices to customize this skillet dinner to your liking, creating a comforting and delicious meal for busy nights.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier bite. Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme can be substituted for Italian seasoning if you have those herbs available, adding a unique flavor profile to the dish. Additionally, if you don’t have asparagus on hand, broccolini or snap peas can be excellent replacements that will still soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

For those looking to adjust the spice level, feel free to customize the amount of hot sauce and chili pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. Cooking the chicken and asparagus in batches is key to achieving a golden sear and avoiding overcrowding the pan. Consider blanching the asparagus before cooking to help it retain its vibrant color and cook evenly, especially if you are using thicker stalks. These simple ingredient substitutions and cooking tips can help tailor the dish to your liking while maintaining its delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a visually stunning presentation, serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus on a large platter with a generous drizzle of the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color. Pair this dish with a side of fluffy white rice or crispy roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

To elevate this meal even further, consider serving the Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus in individual cast-iron skillets or mini cocottes. This not only makes for a charming presentation but also keeps the dish warm at the table. Don’t forget to provide some crusty bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful sauce, creating a delightful dining experience that your guests will love.

FAQs for Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish to suit my taste?

You can add more or less hot sauce and chili pepper flakes to adjust the spiciness level according to your preference.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier bite. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to blanch the asparagus before cooking?

Blanching the asparagus helps it cook evenly and retain its bright color, especially for thicker stalks. However, if you prefer a different texture, you can skip the blanching step.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your culinary journey with Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus, remember that the beauty of this dish lies not just in its delicious flavors but in the memories and connections it creates. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight meal shared with loved ones or a feast devoured eagerly after a long day, this recipe has the power to bring joy to your table.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own by adding your favorite herbs, veggies, or proteins. Let the aroma of garlic, butter, and lemon fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Embrace the simplicity and versatility of Garlic Butter Chicken Asparagus, and let it become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing smiles and satisfaction with every bite.