Looking for a delicious and super-easy dinner that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes? This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus is your answer! It’s a complete meal cooked all on one baking sheet, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. The chicken stays juicy, the asparagus gets tender-crisp, and the lemon herb flavors make it a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.
Health Benefits
This recipe is packed with goodness. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Asparagus is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate. It’s also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. The olive oil used adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. Overall, this meal offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
Ingredients Needed
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 lemon, half juiced, half sliced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step By Step Making
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the chicken. If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into 1-inch chunks or pound them to an even thickness. If using thighs, you can leave them whole or cut them in half.
3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Add the trimmed asparagus to the same bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Place the seasoned asparagus on the other side.
6. Lay the lemon slices over the chicken.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
8. Once cooked, remove from the oven. You can squeeze a little extra fresh lemon juice over everything before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Value
This recipe, when divided into approximately 4 servings, provides about:
* Calories: 350-400 kcal
* Protein: 35-40g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g