Chicken Asparagus Recipe: A Simple, Delicious, and Healthy Meal
This simple chicken asparagus recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy and satisfying weekend meal. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is highly SEO-optimized, using relevant keywords like "chicken asparagus recipe," "easy chicken recipe," "healthy dinner recipes," and variations thereof throughout the text. It also incorporates semantic SEO by discussing related concepts like cooking time, nutritional value, and recipe variations.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-4 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for faster cooking.
- 1 lb asparagus: Trim the ends and snap off any tough pieces.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced – for that extra aromatic punch.
- 1 lemon: Juiced and zested – adds brightness and acidity.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the ingredients: Wash and trim the asparagus. Mince the garlic. Cube the chicken. Zest and juice the lemon. This prep work makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
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Add the asparagus and garlic: Add the asparagus and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
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Simmer in lemon juice and broth: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Season and serve: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and/or red pepper flakes.
Recipe Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Asparagus: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Chicken Asparagus: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during cooking.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Asparagus: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano along with the asparagus.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal, rich in protein and essential vitamins. The exact nutritional information will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the asparagus: It should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Season generously: Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always taste better.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your stove and the size of your chicken and asparagus pieces.
This easy chicken asparagus recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using the hashtag #ChickenAsparagusRecipe on social media!
