One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe

I’m excited to share this One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe with you because it’s genuinely one of those meals that feels fancy but whips up in no time. I love how the garlic butter sauce clings to the tender chicken and crisp-tender asparagus—it’s like a restaurant-worthy dish without all the fuss. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or need something simple yet comforting after a long day, this recipe has got your back.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how everything comes together in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. The balance of savory garlic, lemon zing, and a slight kick from sriracha makes the flavors dance on your tongue—and if you’re anything like me, your family’s going to ask for seconds every time. Trust me, this One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe will become your go-to when you want something easy, tasty, and downright satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that bring out bright flavors and create a delicious sauce—plus, you probably already have most of these in your pantry! Choosing fresh asparagus and good-quality butter makes all the difference.

• Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless pieces keeps it tender and easy to cut bite-sized for quick cooking.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle depth without bulky pieces.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor alongside the fresh minced garlic.
• Freshly ground pepper: To taste—gives a nice mild kick that ties everything together.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and creaminess; I like using unsalted so I can control the salt level.
• Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning while cooking the chicken.
• Minced garlic: Fresh is best here for that punch of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that adds herby warmth without the hassle of chopping fresh herbs.
• Lemon juice: This brightens the dish and cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Sriracha: Just enough heat to keep it interesting and lively.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Perfect for deglazing the pan and adding flavor without overpowering.
• Asparagus: Trimmed to remove woody ends; cooks quickly and keeps a nice crunch.
• Italian parsley: Finely chopped for garnish—adds freshness and color.

Variations

I love how flexible this One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe can be, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! I often switch up the veggies or swap sriracha for a milder chili sauce when I want less heat.

• Swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli: These also hold up well with the garlic butter sauce without getting soggy.
• Make it spicy or mild: Adjust the sriracha amount or leave it out altogether depending on your heat preference.
• Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes: These add extra flavor and make it feel like a full, complete meal.
• Go gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chicken broth to be sure.

How to Make One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Just Right

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—that way they cook quickly and evenly. Toss them in kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and freshly cracked pepper until everything is well coated. I like to do this ahead of time when I’m prepping other ingredients, so the spices have a few minutes to meld into the chicken while I get everything else ready.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken in Butter and Olive Oil

Heat half your butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat—this combo helps prevent the butter from burning while still giving you that rich flavor. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, turning occasionally until all sides are a nice golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken has a caramelized crust but isn’t cooked through yet. Then, add a teaspoon of freshly minced garlic and Italian seasoning for 30 seconds—this step releases a wonderful fragrance before you remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining minced garlic to the skillet—sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is where that deep flavor comes from! Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and sriracha until everything melts together into a silky sauce that will coat the chicken and veggies perfectly.

Step 4: Cook the Asparagus and Finish the Dish

Add your trimmed asparagus spears to the pan and cook them until just tender but still bright green and crisp—this usually takes around 3-5 minutes depending on thickness. Finally, slide the chicken back into the pan, toss everything together for a minute to reheat the chicken through, and get that glorious sauce coating every piece. Sprinkle minced Italian parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor, and if you like, garnish with some lemon slices on the side.

How to Serve One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped Italian parsley for that lovely green pop and fresh earthy note, plus a few thin lemon slices to brighten each bite. These simple garnishes make the dish look as good as it tastes and add a lovely fresh aroma as you serve.

Side Dishes

Because this recipe is so flavorful and filling on its own, I usually pair it with a light side like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up all that garlic butter sauce. My family also enjoys a fresh green salad or steamed baby potatoes on the side to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating this with the asparagus spears fanned out and the chicken nestled in the center, drizzled with extra sauce and a sprinkle of parsley. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a little extra zing. It’s a simple step that makes it look restaurant-quality and perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and I find the chicken stays juicy while the asparagus keeps a nice texture when reheated gently. Plan to use leftovers within 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before with decent results, though the asparagus softens a bit upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, you might want to leave the asparagus out and add freshly cooked veggies when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken and breaking down the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating helps keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus Recipe truly feels like a little kitchen victory every time I make it. It’s straightforward, quick, and tastes like you put in way more effort than you did—which is the kind of recipe I want in my regular rotation. I really hope you give it a try and feel just as proud when you serve it up to your people. It’s warm, comforting, and easy-to-love, just like a great friend in the kitchen.

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