Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an irresistible dish that combines succulent garlic butter chicken bites with the vibrant crunch of lemon asparagus! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Trust us, once you try this delightful combination, it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Ready to dive into a dish that’s as delicious as it is simple? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Prepare your cooking equipment: Use a large skillet or cast-iron pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat to ensure proper searing of chicken.
- Melt butter in the heated skillet, allowing it to become slightly foamy but not brown. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chicken bite-sized pieces to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to achieve golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare asparagus by washing and trimming woody ends. Cut into 2-inch pieces for uniform cooking.
- Once chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F), remove from pan and set aside. Keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add trimmed asparagus. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over asparagus and chicken. Toss to combine and distribute flavors evenly.
- Plate the garlic butter chicken bites alongside the lemon asparagus. Garnish with additional fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust when cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When adding chicken to the skillet, ensure it’s in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and better browning.
- Watch the Garlic: Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—about 30-45 seconds. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a bitter taste.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Asparagus Tips: For perfectly cooked asparagus, look for bright green color and tender-crisp texture. Avoid overcooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken and asparagus right before serving enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish your dish with extra lemon wedges for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 313kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 115mg
