Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus Recipe

Make your weeknight dinner special with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Lemon Asparagus. This quick meal is ready in 30 minutes. It has tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a tasty garlic butter sauce. It’s great for busy days and fits many diets, being keto-friendly and low-carb.

The chicken bites are golden outside and juicy inside. The garlic butter sauce brings a rich flavor that pairs well with the chicken. The lemon asparagus adds a fresh and crunchy touch. This recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a tasty homemade dinner.

Key Takeaways

30-minute, one-pan chicken dinner
Keto-friendly and low-carb recipe
Tender, juicy chicken bites with crisp asparagus
Flavorful garlic butter sauce enhances the dish
Suitable for various dietary needs

A Quick Overview of This 30-Minute Chicken Dinner

This quick meal and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It has bite-sized chicken and fresh asparagus cooked in a skillet. The dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.

The recipe needs just a few ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, asparagus, butter, olive oil, and spices. Cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes and sautéing it with asparagus makes the dish quick and juicy.

The garlic butter sauce is a highlight of this quick meal. It’s made by deglazing the pan with chicken broth and adding cold butter. This creates a rich, velvety sauce that makes the dish special.

This easy recipe for weeknight dinner is a hit with families. It’s full of protein, veggies, and buttery flavors. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	3
Asparagus	1 lb
Butter	1/2 cup
Olive Oil	2 tbsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Garlic Powder	1 tsp
Oregano	1 tsp
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Chicken Broth	1/2 cup
Lemon Pepper	1 tsp
Salt and Pepper	to taste

The recipe makes 4 servings and cooks in about 30 minutes. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to two months, making it a great option for busy nights.

“This easy recipe for weeknight dinner is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce is simply unbeatable.”

This quick meal is low in carbs, making it great for keto or low-carb diets. It has only 3 net carbs per serving. It’s perfect for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus

Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus needs careful picking of fresh ingredients and seasonings. The juicy chicken, vibrant asparagus, and rich garlic butter sauce all matter. They work together to create a dish full of flavor and texture.

Fresh Produce and Herbs

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Asparagus
Lemon
Parsley

Proteins and Seasonings

Chicken
Salt and pepper
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce Components

The garlic butter sauce is the main attraction. It’s made from a few key ingredients:

Butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Chicken broth
Lemon juice
Hot sauce (optional)

These ingredients are seasoned just right. They make a delicious seasoning blend. This blend enhances the garlic butter sauce and pairs well with the chicken and asparagus.

“The combination of juicy chicken, crisp asparagus, and the rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce makes this dish an absolute delight.”

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon, you’ll need some key kitchen essentials and cooking utensils. You’ll need a big cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. Also, a strong cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife are important.

For accurate measurements, keep your measuring spoons and cups ready. Tongs are great for handling the chicken and asparagus. A garlic press and lemon juicer can also enhance your dish’s flavors.

For baking the chicken, a baking sheet is necessary. A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked right. With these kitchen essentials and cooking utensils, you’re set to make a tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus.

Essential Equipment	Recommended Specifications
Cast-Iron Skillet	12-inch cast-iron skillet for optimal cooking
Cutting Board	Sturdy and large enough to accommodate the chicken and vegetables
Chef’s Knife	Sharp and high-quality for effortless slicing and dicing
Measuring Spoons and Cups	Precise measurements for accurate ingredient proportions
Tongs	Useful for handling and turning the chicken bites and asparagus
Garlic Press	Optional, but helpful for quickly mincing fresh garlic
Lemon Juicer	Extracts fresh lemon juice for the asparagus
Meat Thermometer	Ensures the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature
Baking Sheet	For the oven-baked version of the recipe

“Having the right kitchen essentials and cooking utensils on hand can make all the difference in the world when it comes to preparing a delicious and effortless meal.”

Preparing the Chicken Bites

Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. This makes sure the chicken preparation is even and cooks well. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for flavor. You can also add paprika and red chili flakes for extra taste.

After seasoning, let the chicken marinate while you get the other ingredients ready. Marinating keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. To make cutting easier, freeze the chicken for 45 minutes. But remember to let it come back to room temperature before cooking.

“The secret to juicy, tender chicken bites is all in the preparation. Taking the time to properly season and marinate the chicken makes all the difference.”

Now that the chicken is prepped, you can start on the asparagus and garlic butter sauce. This will make a tasty 30-minute chicken dinner.

How to Prepare the Asparagus

Preparing the asparagus for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus recipe is easy. First, wash the asparagus stalks well. Then, cut off the tough, woody ends. For thicker spears, vegetable prep using blanching is key for even cooking.

To blanch, just drop the spears into boiling water for 2 minutes. This step makes the asparagus tender and cooks it faster. After blanching, put the asparagus in an ice bath to stop cooking.

For thinner spears, you might not need to blanch. Just pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

Season the asparagus with salt and pepper, no matter its thickness. This step enhances the vegetable’s flavor and matches the chicken’s taste in the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe.

“Properly preparing the asparagus is key to ensuring it cooks evenly and complements the chicken perfectly in this dish.”

Making the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

Making the garlic butter sauce is key to this recipe. It’s made with melted butter, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce. This mix creates a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and asparagus perfectly.

Sauce Consistency Tips

Here are tips for the perfect garlic butter sauce:

Use white wine instead of chicken broth for a richer sauce.
Simmer the sauce to make it thicker and more flavorful.
Add heavy cream for a creamier sauce.

Flavor Enhancement Options

Here are ways to make the sauce even better:

Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Use crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Grate lemon zest to add brightness and match the asparagus.

Adjust the seasoning to get the garlic, acid, and richness just right. Then, drizzle it over the chicken and asparagus.

“The garlic butter sauce is the true star of this dish. It’s so versatile and can really elevate any protein or vegetable.”

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter	1/2 cup, divided
Olive Oil	1 teaspoon
Minced Garlic	2 teaspoons, divided
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth	1/2 cup
Lemon Juice	Juice of 1/2 lemon
Hot Sauce (optional)	1 tablespoon
Italian Seasoning or Herbes de Provence	1 teaspoon
Heavy Cream (optional)	2 tablespoons
Minced Parsley (optional)	1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this tasty one-pan meal is easy. Begin by seasoning the cooking process with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. In a big skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites and cook until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Then, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s slightly thickened.

Return the sautéed chicken bites to the pan and add the blanched asparagus spears.
Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish the dish with the minced parsley and lemon slices, if desired.

For an oven-baked version, arrange the chicken and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the garlic-butter sauce and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

This simple cooking process makes a delicious one-pan meal in just 30 minutes. The juicy, flavorful chicken bites and tender, lemony asparagus will satisfy your cravings and impress everyone.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

To make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites perfect, you need to get the cooking temperature and timing right. For pan-frying, cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. If baking, use 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes to get the chicken doneness just right.

Perfect Doneness Indicators

Here’s how to know if the chicken is cooked well:

The juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken bite.
The chicken should be opaque throughout, with no pink remaining.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for these common mistakes to avoid:

Overcrowding the pan: This can lead to the chicken steaming rather than browning, resulting in a less crispy texture.
Not allowing the pan to preheat properly: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to get that delicious sear.
Undercooking the asparagus: The asparagus should be tender-crisp, typically taking 2-3 minutes in the skillet or 15-20 minutes in the oven.

“Properly cooked chicken is key to ensuring a delicious and satisfying Garlic Butter Chicken Bites dish. Follow the temperature and timing guidelines closely for the best results.”

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus is a delightful dish. It pairs well with many sides. For a low-carb meal, serve it over cauliflower rice. Regular white or brown rice also works great.

Other good sides include zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. These options add variety and nutrition to your meal.

To make the dish look and taste better, garnish it with fresh lemon slices, extra parsley, and red chili flakes. Adding a light soup or crusty bread can complete your meal.

Suggested Side Dishes	Nutritional Benefits
Cauliflower Rice	Low in carbs, high in fiber and nutrients
White or Brown Rice	Provides complex carbohydrates for a more filling meal
Zucchini Noodles	Adds extra vegetables and a low-carb option
Steamed Broccoli	Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Fresh Green Salad	Offers a light, refreshing contrast to the main dish

Choosing any of these sides will make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus a hit. The juicy chicken and tender asparagus make a balanced and tasty meal pairing. Enjoy it for dinner, lunch, or as a side dish.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This garlic butter chicken bites recipe is super versatile. You can change the flavors, meet dietary needs, or use what you have. There are many ways to make this dish your own.

Alternative Vegetables

The recipe uses tender asparagus spears. But you can swap in other veggies for a different taste. Try using:

Fresh green beans
Broccoli florets
Zucchini or yellow squash, cut into bite-sized pieces

These veggies offer a similar texture and go great with the garlic butter chicken bites.

Seasoning Alternatives

Be creative with seasonings to make the recipe your own. Instead of Italian seasoning, try:

Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
Taco seasoning for a Southwestern flair
Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala

You can also add honey to the garlic butter sauce for sweetness. The flavor options are endless.

These changes let you make this 30-minute chicken dinner your own. It’s perfect for any meal, tailored to your taste and needs.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

The Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus recipe is a tasty and quick dinner. It’s also packed with nutritional value and health benefits. This dish is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals that boost your health.

Each serving has a good mix of nutrients. It has 29g of protein from the chicken, 16g of healthy fats from butter and olive oil, and 19g of carbohydrates from asparagus. It’s low in carbs, perfect for keto or low-carb diets.

The asparagus is a nutritional superstar. It’s rich in fiber, folate, and antioxidants. These help keep your immune system strong and support your health. The lemon adds a burst of vitamin C, making the dish even better.

Garlic, used in the sauce, boosts your immune system. It adds to the meal’s health benefits. Chicken, asparagus, and garlic butter make a dish that gives you energy and nutrients.

If you want to boost your health, manage your weight, or just enjoy a healthy meal, try this recipe. It’s a great choice for a delicious and nourishing dinner. Enjoy the health benefits it brings.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper storage and reheating are crucial for enjoying your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus later. Follow these simple steps to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty.

To store leftovers, put the chicken bites and asparagus in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Add a few drops of water to the container to keep the dish moist.

Reheating is easy with the microwave. Heat the leftovers for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. For better texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Or, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for bigger portions.

Always eat reheated leftovers right away for the best taste and safety. With these tips, you can enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus again.

“Proper food storage and reheating techniques are essential for maximizing the flavor and quality of your leftovers.”

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Making a tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus dish needs care and focus. To get it right, avoid common mistakes. Here are key errors to dodge for this recipe.

Temperature Control Issues

Putting too much chicken in the pan can make it steam instead of brown. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps with searing and caramelizing.

Also, don’t overcook the asparagus. It should stay crisp. Cook it for 3 to 5 minutes when boiling or steaming, or 5 to 7 minutes for sautéing or stir-frying.

Seasoning Mistakes

Getting the seasoning right is key for good flavors. Don’t over-salt, as the flavors will intensify as it cooks. Start with a little salt and taste as you go, adjusting as needed.

Be careful with the garlic, as it can burn. Add it later in cooking to avoid bitterness. Taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving for the best flavors.

Remember these tips to make a perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus dish. It will surely impress your taste buds.

Tips for Meal Prep and Batch Cooking

Save time in the kitchen by making more of this tasty garlic butter chicken bites recipe. It’s quicker during the week and keeps you full. Cook extra chicken and asparagus, then store them separately for better reheating later.

Make meal prep easier by cutting chicken into small pieces and marinating them early. This way, you can quickly cook the chicken when you’re ready. Also, blanching extra asparagus makes it easy to add to other meals all week.

Remember to make extra garlic butter sauce and keep it separate. This sauce is great on many dishes, like roasted veggies, rice, or pasta. When you’re ready to eat, just grab a container of your garlic butter chicken bites. These can stay fresh in the fridge or freezer for 4-6 months, making it easy to enjoy all week.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus recipe?

The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, asparagus, and butter. You’ll also need garlic, lemon, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Fresh parsley and sauce components like olive oil and chicken broth are also used.

What essential equipment is needed to make this dish?

You’ll need a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. A cutting board, sharp knife, and measuring tools are also important. For baking, a baking sheet is required. Tools like a garlic press and lemon juicer can be helpful.

How should the chicken be prepared for cooking?

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season them with salt, pepper, and other spices. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

How should the asparagus be prepared?

Wash and trim the asparagus. For thicker stalks, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Shock in ice water to help with cooking. Pat dry before cooking.

How is the garlic butter sauce made?

Mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, and chicken broth. Add lemon juice and hot sauce for extra flavor. You can use white wine instead of chicken broth for a richer taste. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by simmering.

What is the cooking process for this dish?

Cook the chicken in butter and oil until golden. Remove the chicken and cook the garlic. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth. Add the sauce ingredients and simmer. Return the chicken and asparagus to the pan and cook until tender.

What are the temperature and timing guidelines for this recipe?

Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5-6 minutes. It should reach 165°F (74°C). For baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Asparagus takes 2-3 minutes in the skillet or 15-20 minutes in the oven.

What are some serving suggestions and pairings for this dish?

Serve the dish immediately for the best taste and texture. It goes well with cauliflower rice or regular rice. Try it with zucchini noodles, broccoli, or a green salad. Add lemon slices and parsley for extra flavor and color.

What are some recipe variations and substitutions?

Swap asparagus for green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Use chicken tenders, shrimp, or tofu for different proteins. Try Cajun or Indian spices for unique flavors. Use ghee or olive oil for dairy-free options, and honey for sweetness.

What are the health benefits and nutritional information for this dish?

This dish is high in protein and vitamins from the chicken and asparagus. It’s low in carbs, making it good for keto diets. The butter and olive oil add healthy fats. Asparagus and garlic offer fiber, folate, and antioxidants.

How should the leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat with a few drops of water. Use the microwave, skillet, or oven for reheating.

What are some common cooking mistakes to avoid with this recipe?

Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Make sure the pan is hot before adding ingredients. Don’t overcook the chicken or asparagus. Be careful not to burn the garlic.