Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients

You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. If not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Asparagus:

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Choose fresh, plump breasts for the best results.
• Asparagus: Look for vibrant green stalks with tight tips.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps with searing.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter: Opt for unsalted to control the sodium level.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs the most punch.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from becoming overly rich.
• Lemon juice: A touch of acidity brightens the dish.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra layer of umami.

Seasonings:

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Asparagus

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can recreate this dish perfectly every time.

Preparing the Chicken

Why is it important to prep your chicken properly? Simple: it ensures even cooking and locks in the juices.

1. Pound the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
2. Season generously: Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. This base layer of seasoning is key to building flavor.

Searing the Chicken

Here’s where the magic begins.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. (Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each piece room to breathe.)
3. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Preparing the Asparagus

Why is asparagus a great choice for this dish? It’s quick-cooking, nutritious, and its natural sweetness complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

1. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. You can do this by snapping each stalk where it naturally breaks.
2. Add the asparagus to the same skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances its natural flavors.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, let’s talk sauce. This is where the dish transforms from good to unforgettable.

1. Melt butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are flavor gold!
3. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Bringing It All Together

Here’s the fun part: assembling the dish.

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece for maximum flavor.
2. Add the cooked asparagus back to the pan, letting it soak up the garlic butter goodness.
3. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for a melty, savory finish.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

There you have it—a flavorful, easy-to-make Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Asparagus recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The blend of juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and that dreamy garlic butter sauce is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why not give it a try tonight? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Now it’s your turn—what will you serve it with? Let me know how it turns out!