Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus
This dish combines juicy chicken tenderloin coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, paired with crisp, tender asparagus, making it a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil.
Sautéing the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Adding Seasonings
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, mixing thoroughly to combine.
Cooking the Asparagus
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet, tossing them in the garlicky mixture. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Combining Chicken and Asparagus
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the lemon juice, and toss everything gently together.
Serving
- Plate the chicken and asparagus. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan for the best sear. Customize the garlic amount based on your preference. Fresh parsley or parmesan can enhance presentation.