One Pan Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 and the ingredient amounts below are for the original yield. Adjust quantities as needed, but cooking times remain the same.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 ounces each)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lemon
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and prep your workspace.
2. Place one chicken breast on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound with a meat mallet until it is about 3/4 inch thick. Repeat for remaining chicken breasts.
3. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 8-10 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Add asparagus to the same skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
6. Juice half of the lemon (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) and slice the other half into wedges.
7. To the skillet, add lemon juice, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2 minutes over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Season the sauce with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
9. Return the chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Simmer 1 minute until heated through and sauce reaches desired consistency.
10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 660
• Total Fat: 30g (38% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14g (70% DV)
• Cholesterol: 237mg (79% DV)
• Sodium: 699mg (30% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g (11% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 8g (29% DV)
• Total Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 74g (148% DV)
• Vitamin C: 117mg (130% DV)
• Calcium: 200mg (15% DV)
• Iron: 5mg (26% DV)
• Potassium: 1190mg (25% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Origins of One Pan Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

Although the One Pan Lemon Chicken and Asparagus recipe is a modern creation, its roots trace back to Mediterranean cooking traditions, where lemon, garlic, and olive oil have long been essential ingredients. These flavors were commonly paired with poultry and spring vegetables, forming simple yet vibrant meals. Over time, American home cooks adapted the concept into an easy one-pan format that fits busy lifestyles while preserving the bright, fresh character of the original Mediterranean combinations.

Regional Variations

The dish appears in different variations across the United States. In coastal regions, cooks sometimes add capers or white wine for a brinier profile. In the Midwest, the sauce may be thickened with extra cream to create a richer, comfort-food style meal. Some Southern versions introduce a hint of heat with cayenne or smoked paprika. Despite these regional adjustments, lemon and asparagus remain the defining elements that highlight the dishs springtime appeal.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic chicken piccata, which uses a tangy lemon-caper sauce, this dish features a creamier, more velvety base reminiscent of a light Alfredo. It also emphasizes seasonal vegetablesespecially asparagusrather than pasta or rice. Compared to lemon herb chicken bakes, this recipe requires just one skillet, creating a deeper caramelization and a more concentrated flavor without overcrowding the ingredients.

Where It Is Commonly Served

One Pan Lemon Chicken and Asparagus is typically served at home as a quick weeknight dinner, but it also appears in cafs and bistros that focus on fresh, wholesome meals. Many meal-prep enthusiasts love it because it reheats well and maintains its texture. The dish is especially popular during spring months, when asparagus is at its peak and widely featured on seasonal menus.

Interesting Facts

Asparagus has been celebrated since ancient times and was considered a luxury vegetable in early European cuisine. Pairing it with chicken became popular in modern cooking for its nutritional balance and complementary textures. The surge in one-pan meals over the past decade also boosted the popularity of this recipe, as home cooks looked for flavorful dishes with minimal cleanup. The bright aroma of lemon not only enhances taste but also naturally tenderizes the chicken, making the result both juicy and fragrant.

FAQ about One Pan Lemon Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

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