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If you're on the hunt for a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner, look no further than One-Pan Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus. This vibrant dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers the convenience of minimal cleanup, making it the ideal choice for busy families and individuals. Featuring tender chicken breasts paired with crisp asparagus, all brought together by a zesty lemon garlic marinade, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus

Discover the simplicity of weekday cooking with One-Pan Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus. This vibrant meal features tender chicken and crisp asparagus, all infused with a zesty lemon garlic marinade. Perfect for busy nights, it not only promises rich flavors but also minimizes cleanup. Dive into this easy recipe for a wholesome and delicious dinner that will become a family favorite. Enjoy a delightful balance of freshness and satisfaction all in one dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 bunch of asparagus (approximately 1 pound), trimmed

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature when your dish is ready to bake.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This mixture will serve as a delicious marinade for your chicken.

      Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for optimal flavor absorption.

        Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust, but be careful not to cook them all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

          Sauté the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the trimmed asparagus. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the asparagus, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the asparagus in the skillet and allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

            Combine & Bake: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the sautéed asparagus. Drizzle any leftover marinade over both the chicken and asparagus for extra flavor. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

              Garnish & Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and add lemon slices for a vibrant finish.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4