One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

This One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus is one of those meals you will make over and over again. The chicken has the perfect amount of crunch, the sauce is full of lemon and garlic, it works with almost any veggie, and it's on the table in 20 minutes. 

I am majorly crushing on one pan meals these days. There is really nothing better than having a delicious meal and not having to worry about washing a million and one dishes afterwards. And this recipe full of lemony chicken and asparagus is at the top of the list.

The chicken is lightly coated in flour, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The flour makes sure the chicken gets brown and crispy on the outside. You can use almond flour or coconut flour if you are low carb, paleo, low carb, or gluten-free. Then add the asparagus, garlic, and a quick pan sauce made chicken broth and white wine vinegar.  Paired this recipe with pasta, brown rice, couscous, baked sweet potatoes, or spaghetti squash, and you have a perfect meal in my opinion.

Love the combination of lemon and chicken? Don't miss this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken, Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs, or Lemon Chicken Artichoke Soup.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here are the main ingredients for this one-pan chicken dinner:

• Chicken breast: When it comes to lean protein, chicken breast is a great option since it soaks up flavor. This recipe will also work with chicken thighs, lean pork, fish, or shrimp. Just make sure to watch the cooking time so the protein doesn't overcook. 
• Asparagus: Lemon and asparagus is a delicious pair but you could make this with broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, spinach, kale, or any other vegetable you like. Adjust the cooking time as needed to the vegetables come out tender-crisp.
• Lemon and garlic: The two main flavors in this recipe are lemon and garlic. Fresh lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, and fresh garlic will give the best flavor. In a pinch, you could use lemon pepper to season the chicken and minced garlic if needed.
• Flour: The flour in this recipe gives the chicken that nice crispy coating, like chicken piccata. For a lighter dish, you can leave it out or swap in a lower-carb flour like almond meal. If you leave the flour off, just make sure to nicely brown the chicken so it has some texture.
• Pan sauce: To bring the whole dish together, this meal has a simple pan sauce made with chicken broth and white wine vinegar. You could swap in another vinegar if needed. To make a richer sauce, melt in some butter as well. 

Tips and Recipe Ideas

• Although buying chicken breast tenderloins is the easiest option, if whole chicken breasts are more affordable, just slice them into smaller strips so that they cook more quickly. Try to cut them so that they are uniform in size so that they all cook at the same time.
• Asparagus is my favorite veggie to use in this recipe but you could definitely use green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or sugar snap peas if you prefer.
• Depending on the flavor profiles you like, feel free to add some herbs or spices to the coating for the chicken. Thyme or Italian seasoning is delicious as is oregano and rosemary.
• Love shrimp? This dish is also delicious with shrimp instead of chicken. Just don't add the shrimp until the last minute so that it doesn't overcook. It won't need to simmer for 5-10 minutes like the chicken.

Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

This dish can be served on its own since it's got everything you need, but you can also pair it with lots of different dishes.

• If you love pasta, consider doubling up the sauce and serving this on a bed of cooked pasta or spaghetti squash. Finish the dish with some Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Another great option is serving this on a bed of mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or creamy polenta. Double up the sauce for these options and drizzle over the whole dish. 
• If you love roasted vegetables, consider making these Easy Roasted Potatoes, Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes, or Roasted Cherry Tomatoes.
• To keep things light and healthy, consider pairing this with a salad like this Healthy Caesar Salad or Easy Arugula Salad.