Description
Savor garlic butter chicken bites with lemon asparagus, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken and zesty vegetables in one skillet. Succulent morsels of chicken coated in rich, herbed butter promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) asparagus, trimmed
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks, generously seasoning with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Allow seasoned pieces to rest while preparing additional components.
- Thoroughly rinse asparagus and trim woody ends. Submerge in rapidly boiling water for precisely 2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water bath to halt cooking process and preserve vibrant green color. Drain completely and set aside.
- Heat large cast-iron skillet over medium temperature, melting butter with olive oil. Carefully introduce seasoned chicken pieces, gently rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior. Reduce heat, incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring until aromatic – approximately 1 minute. Transfer chicken to separate plate if skillet becomes overcrowded.
- Utilizing identical skillet, elevate heat to medium-high. Introduce remaining garlic, deglazing pan with chicken broth and allowing liquid to reduce by half. Incorporate remaining butter, fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, and chopped parsley, creating luxurious pan sauce.
- Gently add blanched asparagus to skillet, tossing for 2 minutes until achieving tender-crisp texture. Maneuver vegetables to one side of cooking surface.
- Return chicken pieces to skillet, reheating briefly and coating with sauce. Sprinkle additional parsley, chili pepper flakes, and garnish with lemon slices for brightness.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and ingredients retain optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Chicken Preparation Tip: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and prevents soggy meat.
- Blanching Technique: Use a slotted spoon or tongs when transferring asparagus between boiling water and ice bath to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
- Skillet Management: Choose a large cast-iron skillet to provide even heat distribution and create a beautiful caramelized surface on the chicken bites without steaming them.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace hot sauce with additional herbs or red pepper flakes for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s zesty profile while keeping carbohydrate content minimal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg