Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is the perfect combination of golden, crunchy chicken and tender, vibrant vegetables. This dish delivers bold garlic flavor, satisfying texture, and balanced nutrition in every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it comes together quickly while still feeling elegant enough for guests.
The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for a simple yet impressive meal that did not require multiple pans. The result exceeded expectations. The chicken developed a beautifully crisp exterior while staying juicy inside, and the asparagus absorbed the savory garlic notes from the pan. I once added a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving, and it brightened the entire dish beautifully. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity—minimal ingredients, straightforward preparation, and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, nutritious, and packed with bold garlic flavor. It uses simple ingredients and requires minimal cleanup. The crispy chicken contrasts perfectly with tender asparagus for a well-balanced meal.
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Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus: A Flavorful One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring golden, pan-seared chicken breasts infused with garlic and served alongside tender-crisp asparagus. It’s a quick, wholesome dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add asparagus and sauté for 4–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
- Spoon garlic butter sauce over chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcook asparagus to maintain crisp texture.
- For a low-carb version, skip the flour coating.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals.
Fresh Asparagus
Asparagus adds freshness, vibrant color, and a slightly crisp texture.
Garlic Cloves
Fresh minced garlic delivers aromatic depth and bold flavor.
All-Purpose Flour
A light coating of flour helps create a crisp, golden crust on the chicken.
Olive Oil
Olive oil ensures proper browning and adds subtle richness.
Unsalted Butter
Butter enhances flavor and helps develop a golden finish.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of both chicken and vegetables.
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.
Paprika
Paprika adds gentle warmth and enhances color.
Lemon Juice (optional)
A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances richness.
Directions
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add trimmed asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through and absorb the garlic flavor. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 20 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness. Avoid prolonged microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Variations and Customizations
Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is easy to customize. For a lower-carb option, omit the flour and pan-sear the chicken directly. I once substituted almond flour for a gluten-free version, and it created a pleasantly crisp texture.
If you prefer additional vegetables, add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms to the skillet. Both pair well with garlic and chicken.
For extra richness, stir a small amount of grated Parmesan over the chicken before serving. To increase spice, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
You can also bake the chicken and asparagus together at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes if you prefer a hands-off approach.
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with additional olive oil. These simple changes allow flexibility while preserving the dish’s core flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dry Chicken Thoroughly
Removing excess moisture ensures crisp browning.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan
Cook in batches if necessary for even crispness.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic provides superior flavor compared to powdered.
Cook Asparagus Briefly
Avoid overcooking to maintain vibrant color and texture.
Finish with Lemon
A final squeeze enhances brightness and balance.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and may be juicier.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Avoid covering the skillet and reheat in a pan instead of a microwave.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or omit flour entirely for a gluten-free option.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
What side dishes pair well?
Rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes complement this dish nicely.
Conclusion
Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is a flavorful, balanced, and efficient meal perfect for busy evenings. With its golden crust, aromatic garlic, and tender vegetables, it delivers both comfort and freshness in one pan. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe is sure to become a reliable favorite in your weekly rotation.
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