Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Skillet

BY

February 19, 2026

The sizzle of garlic in olive oil. The bright scent of fresh lemon. This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Skillet brings bold flavor to your table in just one pan. Itโ€™s light, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • One pan. Easy cleanup.
  • Fresh lemon and garlic flavor.
  • Tender, juicy chicken.
  • Crisp-tender asparagus.
  • Ready in 30 minutes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest + juice)
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • ยฝ teaspoon paprika
  • ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ยผ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Swap: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Add green beans if asparagus isnโ€™t available.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sear chicken for 5โ€“6 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165ยฐF. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add garlic to the same skillet. Stir for 30 seconds.
  5. Add asparagus and sautรฉ for 3โ€“5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir gently.
  7. Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top.
  8. Simmer 3โ€“4 minutes. Sprinkle parsley and serve your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Skillet warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Quinoa
  • Crusty bread
  • A simple green salad

A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add butter at the end for extra richness.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan before serving.
  • Slice chicken before serving for easier plating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep chicken tender in a skillet?

Cook over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Remove at 165ยฐF and let it rest before slicing.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless thighs work well. Cook a few extra minutes if needed.

Should I blanch asparagus before cooking it in a skillet?

No. Fresh asparagus cooks quickly in the pan in just a few minutes.

What goes well with lemon garlic chicken?

Rice, potatoes, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables all pair well.


Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Skillet delivers bright flavor with simple ingredients. Itโ€™s quick, fresh, and perfect for weeknights. Try it once, and it may become part of your regular dinner rotation.

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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Skillet


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Skillet is a quick one-pan dinner with juicy chicken, fresh asparagus, and bright lemon flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 lb fresh asparagus trimmed

3 tbsp olive oil

4 garlic cloves minced

1 lemon zest and juice

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped


Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt pepper and paprika

2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat

3. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until 165F

4. Remove chicken and set aside

5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds

6. Add asparagus and cook 3-5 minutes

7. Add broth lemon zest and juice

8. Return chicken and simmer 3-4 minutes

9. Sprinkle parsley and serve

Notes

Use chicken thighs if preferred

Do not overcook chicken

Add butter for richer flavor

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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