1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. The goal is to develop a nice crust without cooking them all the way through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Lemon and Dill Butter Sauce
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Dill: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill. Stir to combine.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the flour and cook for an additional minute. Then, gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Season Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Add Chicken and Asparagus
- Add Chicken Back: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
- Prepare Asparagus: In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus around the chicken in the skillet.
4. Bake
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and asparagus thickness.
5. Serve
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and asparagus, and garnish with additional fresh dill or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Thickness: Ensure that chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. If they are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness.
- Asparagus Size: Choose asparagus stalks that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Thin stalks cook faster, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the flour. The sauce will still be flavorful but less creamy.
Variations
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs such as thyme or rosemary if you prefer different flavors.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the skillet for a more varied dish.
- Lemon Flavor: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste, adding more if you like a tangier flavor.
Conclusion
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken and Asparagus is a flavorful and elegant meal that is simple to prepare and impressive to serve. The buttery, zesty sauce complements the tender chicken and crisp asparagus beautifully, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and the ease of a one-pan meal with this delicious recipe!