Description
A sophisticated, one-pan meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors home. Featuring juicy Italian-seasoned chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and a velvety citrus-infused cream sauce, this balanced dish offers bright notes of fresh lemon and a subtle kick of crushed red pepper.
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into thirds)
- 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional), 1/2 cup minced onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning: 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Sear: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 mins per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion and asparagus for 2–3 mins. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 min until fragrant.
Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the ‘fond’.
Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 3–4 mins until sauce thickens and chicken reaches 165°F. Adjust consistency with a splash of broth if needed.
Notes
The ‘Fond’ Secret: Those brown bits in the pan are flavor gold. The acidity in the lemon juice helps release them, infusing the cream sauce with deep, savory notes.
Even Cooking: Pound the thickest part of the chicken to a uniform thickness before searing. This ensures the center reaches the safe temperature without the edges drying out.
Asparagus Texture: Only add the asparagus after the chicken is pulled. This prevents it from overcooking and keeps it ‘snappy’ and vibrant green.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + sauce
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 640
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: creamy lemon garlic chicken, one pan chicken and asparagus, keto chicken recipes, 30 minute dinners, lemon cream sauce