Julia Walton
Juicy chicken, seared to golden perfection, simmered in a rich lemon butter sauce, and paired with tender-crisp asparagus—this dish is everything you love about a comforting dinner, all made in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant enough to serve guests, it balances vibrant citrus with a creamy, buttery finish.
The best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The asparagus soaks up that buttery lemon sauce, making every bite fresh and satisfying. Serve it over rice, pasta, or simply enjoy it as a low-carb delight.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts cook quickly and stay tender when seared properly, while thighs give a richer, juicier flavor. Whichever you choose, make sure they are similar in thickness for even cooking.
Ingredients for the Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus
Chicken
The star of this dish—choose tender chicken breasts or thighs for juicy, flavorful bites.
Lemon
Fresh lemon slices and juice give the sauce its bright, zesty kick, balancing the richness of the butter.
Butter
Unsalted butter melts into a silky, savory sauce that coats the chicken and asparagus beautifully.
Garlic
Aromatic and slightly sweet, sautéed garlic deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Asparagus
Adds a fresh, crisp texture and soaks up all the lemony buttery goodness.
Chicken Broth
Gives depth to the sauce and keeps it light without overpowering the citrus notes.
Olive Oil
Used for searing, it helps the chicken develop that irresistible golden crust.
Fresh Parsley
Sprinkled at the end, parsley brightens the dish with a fresh herbal finish.
How To Make the Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika if you like extra color. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of the rich, buttery sauce.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add lemon slices for extra citrus flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Asparagus
Toss the asparagus into the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and let all the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. Serve warm with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving and Storing Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus
This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet when the chicken is juicy and the asparagus still has that crisp bite. However, leftovers store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
What to Serve With Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus?
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The rich, buttery potatoes pair perfectly with the lemony sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Rice
A simple yet flavorful rice side that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Buttered Egg Noodles
Quick and easy, these noodles provide a soft base for the chicken.
Crusty Artisan Bread
Ideal for mopping up every last drop of lemon butter sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Tossed in olive oil and herbs, these crispy potatoes complement the tender chicken.
Creamy Risotto
A luxurious side that elevates the dish to dinner-party status.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing way to cleanse the palate after a rich main course.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love this easy one-pan lemon butter chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting meals:
• Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken for a golden, crunchy classic.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy when you need a cozy, fuss-free dinner.
• Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken for a cheesy, bacon-packed delight.
• Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole for a comforting baked dish everyone loves.
• White Wine Parmesan Chicken when you want something elegant yet easy.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of white wine or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Easy One-Pan Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in olive oil 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Melt butter; sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice; simmer 2–3 minutes. Add lemon slices.
- Cook asparagus 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken; spoon sauce over; simmer 2 more minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.