Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Asparagus
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Trim the Asparagus: Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Asparagus
- Cook the Asparagus: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Dill Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Lemon and Dill: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and chopped fresh dill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly reduced and well combined.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the Chicken and Asparagus: Return the chicken breasts and asparagus to the skillet. Spoon the lemon dill butter sauce over the chicken and asparagus.
- Simmer: Let the chicken and asparagus simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill sprigs, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Fresh Dill: Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill works as well if fresh is not available.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the asparagus and chicken to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry chicken and mushy asparagus.
Variations
- Add Capers: Add a tablespoon of capers to the lemon dill butter sauce for a briny kick.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the lemon dill butter sauce for a creamy version of this dish.
- Different Vegetables: Substitute the asparagus with green beans, broccoli, or your favorite vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Lemon and Dill Butter Garlic Chicken and Asparagus is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp asparagus, and a rich, buttery lemon dill sauce is irresistible. This one-pan recipe is easy to prepare, full of fresh flavors, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!