The unmistakable aroma of sizzling garlic and butter wafts through the kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal ahead. This Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is my go-to dish for those evenings when time is short, yet I crave something truly satisfying. Besides being a quick one-pan wonder, this recipe brings the freshness of vibrant ingredients right to your dinner table. The pan-seared chicken tenderly absorbs the zesty brightness of lemon and the herbaceous notes of dill, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re feeding the family after a hectic day or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser. What’s your favorite way to bring a taste of gourmet dining into your home?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simplicity and Speed: This Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken is a breeze to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax or enjoy a glass of wine. You’ll love that every ingredient cooks in one pan, melding flavors beautifully!
Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, lemon, and dill creates a fresh and robust taste that elevates your dinner. It’s perfect for those who want to experience gourmet flavors without complicated techniques.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment! You can swap asparagus for vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, giving you endless possibilities for a quick weeknight dinner.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish impresses with its vibrant presentation and delightful flavor. Pair it with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this quick and delicious recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table, just like our Orzo Roasted Butternut and Brown Butter Peach dishes!
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken – Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work perfect for juicy bites.
• Butter – Provides richness and depth; try vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic flavor; use minced for quick incorporation.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your liking for the best taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of spice; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
For the Sauce
• Olive Oil – Adds fat for cooking and enhances flavor; you can substitute with avocado oil.
• Chicken Broth – The base for your sauce; switch to vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Lemon Juice and Zest – Provides a zesty brightness; lime juice can be used for a twist.
• Fresh Dill – Adds a fragrant herbaceous note; parsley or tarragon can substitute if needed.
For the Vegetables
• Asparagus – Acts as the main veggie; feel free to replace with green beans, broccoli, or zucchini for a different taste.
With each ingredient playing its unique role, this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken will truly shine on your dinner table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
Step 1: Cook the Asparagus
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the asparagus and toss to coat. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, allowing the skillet to remain warm for the next steps.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside on a cutting board.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice
Return the skillet to medium heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the remaining butter in the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned. This creates the aromatic foundation for your Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes. The broth will reduce slightly, enhancing the flavors for your Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Dill
Stir in the juice and zest of one lemon along with 2 tablespoons of fresh dill into the sauce. Gently return the previously cooked asparagus to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the delicious sauce. Allow it to warm through for an additional 2 minutes, creating a vibrant, flavorful dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus to plates, spooning extra sauce over the top for added flavor. This dish can be paired beautifully with rice, pasta, quinoa, or crusty bread, providing delightful options to soak up the rich sauce. Enjoy your wholesome meal in the comfort of home!
What to Serve with Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the juicy, zesty chicken and crisp asparagus like a warm embrace.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These fluffy potatoes provide a velvety texture and are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
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Mixed Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The refreshing crunch of greens and citrus dressing offers a bright contrast to the meal’s rich flavors.
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Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, wholesome grain adds a nice bite and pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce for an enhanced dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: A crusty option to mop up every last drop of sauce, enhancing the dish’s flavors with its buttery charm.
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Roasted Vegetables: Select seasonal veggies for a colorful and nutritious medley that enhances the meal’s freshness while adding some rustic charm.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay adds a refreshing element to your meal, balancing the richness of the dish.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing scoop provides a sweet, tangy finish, cleansing the palate after the savory chicken.
Storage Tips for Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep the lemon and dill flavors vibrant while ensuring your chicken remains juicy.
Freezer: If necessary, freeze portions of the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, separate the chicken and asparagus to maintain their textures.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave; adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Meal Prep: Consider preparing a double batch to enjoy this delightful Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken throughout the week, perfect for busy nights!
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Variations
Feel free to bring your own touch to this versatile dish with these easy and delicious variations!
- Vegetable Swap: Replace asparagus with green beans, broccoli, or zucchini for a different flavor profile that adds variety and keeps things fresh.
- Vegan Twist: Use vegan butter and vegetable broth to create a completely plant-based version without sacrificing taste.
- Herb Variance: Instead of fresh dill, try parsley or tarragon for a unique herbaceous touch that offers a delightful twist to the classic flavor.
- Hearty Addition: Toss in some sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
- Citrusy Zing: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a fun citrusy twist; it pairs wonderfully with the garlic and will invigorate your taste buds.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the sauce with the addition of capers or sun-dried tomatoes to bring out an extra burst of flavor that elevates your dish.
If you’re enjoying this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken, you may also love our Cowboy Butter Chicken or our delightful Garlic Sauce Potatoes to round out your meal! Enjoy experimenting!
Expert Tips for Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken
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Watch the Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic as it cooks to prevent burning, which can make your sauce bitter and affect the dish’s flavor.
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Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
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Sauce Lover’s Secret: If you enjoy extra sauce, consider doubling the broth and lemon juice. This ensures there’s plenty to soak up with your sides.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to switch out asparagus for other veggies like green beans or zucchini, giving your Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken a fresh twist.
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Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, chop your garlic and herbs in advance, allowing you to get dinner on the table even quicker.
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus are perfect for busy home cooks who want to streamline their meal prep! You can marinate the chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon juice up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the asparagus by trimming and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to cook, simply follow the usual steps, adding the prepared chicken and asparagus to the skillet. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful, gourmet meal with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made it from scratch!
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting asparagus for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing asparagus, look for bright green stalks with firm, closed tips. Avoid any that show dark spots or wilting. Thinner stalks tend to have a sweeter flavor, so opt for those if possible, but feel free to choose based on your texture preference!
How should I store leftovers of Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken?
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing to maintain freshness. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Can I freeze this Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken dish?
Yes, you can! For best results, freeze portions of the chicken and asparagus separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a skillet. Adding a splash of chicken broth will help keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
What can I do if the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic sauce is too thin?
If your sauce turns out thinner than expected, don’t worry! You can thicken it by simmering it longer to let some liquid evaporate or by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce and cook for an additional few minutes until thickened.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very much! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, be sure to check for any reactions to garlic, butter, or chicken. For a dairy-free version, substitute regular butter with vegan butter, and for gluten-free options, confirm that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well!
What are some good vegetable substitutions if I don’t have asparagus?
The more the merrier when it comes to vegetables! If asparagus isn’t available, you can easily swap it out for green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust your cooking time based on the chosen vegetable’s tenderness—cook until they are crisp-tender to maintain a great texture in the dish.
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken: A Flavorful One-Pan Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill. Return asparagus to skillet and toss everything together. Warm through for 2 minutes.
- Serve the Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with asparagus, spooning extra sauce over top. Pair with rice, pasta, or bread.
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