Name: Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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If you’re always on the hunt for an easy weeknight winner that feels elegant enough for guests, let me introduce you to my absolute go-to: the Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe. This dish is a celebration of tender chicken and crisp-tender asparagus, all jazzed up with lemony brightness and a little cheesy magic. Made in just one pan, with only 25 minutes from prep to plate, it’s the ultimate combo of quick, healthy, and downright delicious. The flavors are simple but irresistible, the cleanup is a breeze, and it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this is the recipe you’ll want on repeat!

Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe is that every ingredient plays a starring role, adding to the lush flavor, beautiful color, and satisfying textures. Nothing fussy here—just smart, simple staples that always deliver.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking and juicy results.
Asparagus: Fresh and vibrant, chopped into easy-to-eat pieces; brings a gorgeous green pop and a nutritious crunch.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps everything caramelize beautifully in the pan.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable aroma and a little kick of savory depth.
Onion powder: A handy pantry spice that boosts the overall savoriness without the need to chop fresh onions.
Paprika: A sprinkle of this gives the chicken a beautiful color and subtle warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every ounce of flavor in the chicken and veggies.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the savoriness with a light, citrusy zing.
Parmesan cheese: Totally optional, but it adds a lovely salty finish that melts over everything (don’t skip if you love cheese!).

How to Make Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with onion powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let the chicken sizzle and brown, making sure to stir every so often so each piece gets perfectly golden. After about 5–7 minutes, your chicken should be just cooked through—tender inside with a little crispiness outside. Scoop it all out and set aside for a moment.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Asparagus

In the same skillet (no need for extra pans!), drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your minced garlic. Give it a quick, fragrant sauté—just 30 seconds is all you need before the garlic turns too brown. Next, add those lovely asparagus pieces right into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4–5 minutes until the asparagus is crisp-tender and vibrantly green. It should still have a bit of bite for the perfect texture.

Step 3: Finish and Toss Everything Together

Return your cooked chicken (and any juices it left behind!) back into the skillet with the asparagus. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, then toss everything gently until the aroma is irresistibly fresh and the flavors have mingled. Heat everything together for about a minute to let the magic happen. For the final touch, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it, and watch as it melts into a savory finish. Serve right from the skillet for ultimate coziness!

How to Serve Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley takes this dish from homey to restaurant-worthy. If you like a little heat, some red pepper flakes add a lovely little kick. Don’t forget a fresh lemon wedge on the side for another citrusy squeeze at the table!

Side Dishes

The Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe shines alongside fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or a twirl of buttery pasta. For a low-carb touch, serve it over cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad—honestly, it’s delicious with nearly anything that can soak up those lemony pan juices!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress things up, try serving the chicken and asparagus over toasted slices of sourdough for an open-faced meal. Or, scoop it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held twist. For family dinners, I love bringing the whole skillet straight to the table and letting everyone help themselves—it’s casual, cozy, and looks absolutely beautiful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe keep wonderfully for meal prep! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked chicken and asparagus, just know the asparagus may lose some of its original crisp texture and turn a little softer when thawed. If you do decide to freeze, pack your meal into airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until everything is heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. The microwave also works—heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken. Finish with a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like!

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well in the Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe. They’re a bit juicier and add a slightly richer flavor—just adjust cook time if needed.

What’s the best way to trim asparagus?

The easiest method is to bend each stalk until it naturally snaps; this breaks off the woody end. Alternatively, line them up and trim the bottom inch or so for a quicker prep.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! This recipe is super flexible. Try swapping in green beans or broccoli for the asparagus, or toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and variety.

Is the Parmesan cheese necessary?

No worries if you skip it—the Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe is still absolutely delicious without cheese. But if you’re a Parm fan, it definitely adds a lovely savory finish.

How do I make it a bit spicier?

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic or sprinkle some on just before serving. It’s a super simple way to kick things up without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe, I’m amazed by how little effort it takes for such big payoff. It’s wholesome, quick, full of color, and just makes everyone at the table happy. I really hope you give this one a try—it might just earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant asparagus in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)

Additional:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, squeeze lemon juice, and toss everything until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.