Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus recipe features tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and cooked with fresh asparagus in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this one-pan meal is a flavorful and healthy choice that combines juicy chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and savory garlic all in one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

Vegetables

1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed

Sauce and Garnish

1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season all over with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors and ensure a well-seasoned dish.
Brown the First Half of Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch or larger cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without moving until golden brown on the bottom and the chicken releases easily from the pan, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until the second side is golden. Transfer chicken to a plate; it may not be fully cooked yet.
Brown the Remaining Chicken: Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet and repeat the browning process with the remaining chicken pieces. Transfer all browned chicken to the plate.
Cook the Asparagus: Pour 1/4 cup water and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to add depth to the flavor. Arrange the trimmed asparagus in an even layer. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring halfway through, for 1 to 3 minutes until asparagus is almost crisp-tender.
Add Butter, Garlic, and Finish Cooking: Add the 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, return the browned chicken and any juices on the plate to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired. Serve immediately for a flavorful, warm meal.

Notes

Use a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet for best browning results.
Chicken pieces may not be fully cooked after browning; final cooking occurs with butter and garlic.
Red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle spicy kick.
Adjust cooking time for asparagus depending on your desired texture.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Chicken and Asparagus, One-Pan Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe