Homemade Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

Lemon chicken is a classic dish that brings out the natural flavors of chicken and citrus fruits. This recipe offers a fresh twist by incorporating asparagus into the mix. The combination of tender lemony chicken breasts and crisp, green asparagus provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
juice from 3 lemons (about 6 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and mix well so that each piece is coated with the marinade.

Let the marinated chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but preferably overnight for best results. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your asparagus by trimming off the tough bottom ends of the stalks. Rinse them thoroughly and set aside.

Cooking Process:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Once you’ve marinated the chicken, remove it from the refrigerator and place each breast on the prepared tray. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes until they are thoroughly cooked through (check by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken - it should register 165°F or higher).

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed asparagus and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain immediately after draining and set aside.

Assembly:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted but not browned, gently place the cooked chicken breasts into the pan. Let them sit for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely golden and crispy on the outside.

Serving:

To serve, plate the lemon chicken with a generous portion of asparagus alongside. You can garnish it with additional fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Enjoy your meal! This dish is not only delicious but also very healthy, rich in nutrients such as vitamin C from lemons and folic acid from asparagus. Serve this as part of a balanced diet and you will surely have a delightful experience at the table.

Tips for Success:

Make sure your chicken is completely thawed before marinating; this helps it absorb all the flavors.
The marinade adds moisture, so make sure to pat excess moisture from the chicken breasts with paper towels before cooking them. This ensures even browning and crisping during baking.
Baking time can vary slightly based on your oven's efficiency and thickness of the chicken breasts; always use a meat thermometer for accurate results.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftover lemon chicken and asparagus, store them separately in an airtight container or bag. Leftover cooked chicken can be kept refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to six months. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Conclusion:

This homemade lemon chicken with asparagus is a refreshing and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s perfect for those looking to add some vibrant colors and freshness into their weekly dinner routine. Try it out today and see how well this classic recipe works for you!

Additional Recipe Suggestions:

Baked Lemon Chicken with Green Beans
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Grilled Lemon Chicken Skewers with Asparagus