One Pot Lemon Chicken and Asparagus (Easy Spring Dinner)

Sharing is caring!

When winter starts to fade and spring peeks around the corner, I’m always craving lighter, brighter meals that still feel cozy enough for weeknights. Enter this One Pot Lemon Chicken and Asparagus—a simple, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes.

Juicy chicken breasts, crisp-tender asparagus, and a lemony garlic pan sauce come together in one skillet for a meal that feels elegant but takes very little effort. Best of all? It’s ready in under 45 minutes and made entirely in one pan (hello, minimal cleanup).

This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all spring long.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken Recipe

• One-pan meal = fewer dishes
• Bright, fresh flavors from lemon, garlic, and thyme
• Quick and easy enough for busy weeknights
• Seasonal and light, but still filling
• Perfect for spring dinners or meal prep

One Pot Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

Serves: 4
Time: 35–40 minutes
Pan: Braiser or 12-inch skillet with lid

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely diced (or ¼ small onion)
• 1 bunch (~½ lb) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Transfer to a plate and loosely tent with foil.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
Sauté the shallot for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Deglaze & Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Add Asparagus & Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
Scatter the asparagus around the chicken.
Cover and simmer on medium-low for 6–10 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the asparagus is tender-crisp.

6. Finish & Serve

Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a silky, rich sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve right out of the pan.

Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing—this helps get that golden crust.
• Trim asparagus properly by snapping off the woody ends for the best texture.
• Adjust the lemon to taste—add more juice if you like it extra bright.
• A meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.

Easy Variations

• Swap the herb: Rosemary or parsley work beautifully if you don’t have thyme.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are extra juicy and work just as well.

What to Serve With Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

This dish pairs well with:

• Rice, orzo, or quinoa to soak up the sauce
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Crusty bread and a simple green salad
• Mashed Potatoes with Cheese
• Sheet Pan French Onion Baked Potatoes (With Gruyère-Herb Crunch)

Wine & Drink Pairings for Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

Bright lemon, savory garlic butter, tender chicken, and fresh asparagus call for drinks that are crisp, refreshing, and balanced. Here are delicious pairings that complement the citrusy, herbaceous flavors of this dish.

🥂 White Wines (Top Picks)

🍋 Sauvignon Blanc
A classic match. Its zesty acidity and citrus-forward profile echo the lemon in the sauce, while its grassy, herbal notes beautifully complement the asparagus and thyme. Look for bottles from Marlborough or Sancerre.

🍏 Pinot Grigio
Light-bodied and clean, Pinot Grigio enhances the delicate flavors of the chicken without overpowering the dish. Its subtle citrus and green apple notes pair especially well with the lemon butter sauce.

🍑 Chardonnay (Unoaked or Lightly Oaked)
Choose a crisp, unoaked style—such as one from Chablis—to keep the pairing fresh and vibrant. A heavily oaked Chardonnay may compete with the brightness of the lemon.

🌹 Rosé Option

🌸 Provence Rosé
Dry, pale rosé offers refreshing acidity with subtle berry and citrus notes. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with both the chicken and the asparagus while keeping the meal light and spring-forward.

🍺 Beer Pairings

🍺 Belgian-Style Wheat Beer
A citrusy wheat beer like Blue Moon complements the lemon notes beautifully. The soft spice and orange peel character enhance the brightness of the dish.

🍺 Pilsner
A crisp, clean pilsner (such as Pilsner Urquell) refreshes the palate between bites and balances the buttery sauce.

🍸 Cocktail Pairings

🍋 Classic Gin & Tonic
A gin and tonic made with a bright, citrus-forward gin like Bombay Sapphire mirrors the herbal thyme and lemon zest in the recipe.

🍋 Lemon Spritz
A lighter spritz featuring Limoncello, prosecco, and sparkling water enhances the citrus elements while keeping the pairing festive and refreshing.

🥤 Non-Alcoholic Options

• Sparkling water with lemon and fresh thyme
• Cucumber mint sparkling water
• Non-alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc alternative
• Iced green tea with a squeeze of lemon

Pairing Tip:
Because this dish balances richness (butter) with brightness (lemon), look for drinks with lively acidity and fresh citrus or herbal notes to complement—not compete with—the flavors on your plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

---

If you’re looking for a fresh, easy chicken dinner that feels special without the stress, this one-pot lemon chicken and asparagus is a must-try. It’s light, cozy, and packed with flavor—exactly what spring cooking should be. 🌿🍋

Easy Meal Prep Ideas

1. Lemon Chicken + Grain Bowls

Prep: Cook a batch of rice, quinoa, or couscous (orzo works too).
Assemble:

• Base: ½–1 cup cooked grain
• Protein: 1 chicken breast, sliced
• Veggies: Asparagus from the recipe
• Sauce: Drizzle leftover lemon garlic pan sauce
  Bonus: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or a handful of greens for extra freshness.
  Storage: Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days.

---

2. Lemon Chicken Salad Wraps

Prep: Slice chicken into strips.
Assemble:

• Wrap: Large lettuce leaves or whole wheat tortillas
• Filling: Chicken + asparagus + grain (optional)
• Add-ins: Avocado, shredded carrot, or hummus
• Sauce: Lemon garlic sauce or a bit of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice
  Storage: Wraps last 2–3 days best if sauce is packed separately to avoid sogginess.

---

3. Chicken + Veggie Sheet Pan Roast

Prep: Roast extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes alongside the asparagus.
Assemble:

• Protein: Sliced chicken
• Veggies: Mix roasted asparagus + other roasted veggies
• Sauce: Lemon garlic sauce on top
• Grain: Optional side of rice or quinoa
  Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in fridge; reheat in oven or microwave.

---

4. Lemon Chicken Pasta Prep

Prep: Cook whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Assemble:

• Toss pasta with chicken, asparagus, and leftover pan sauce
• Optional add-ins: Spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes
• Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving
  Storage: 3–4 days in airtight containers; sauce keeps pasta from drying out

---

5. Freezer-Friendly Individual Portions

Prep: Cook chicken and asparagus but slightly undercook the asparagus (so it won’t get mushy when reheated).
Assemble: Freeze in individual containers with grains.
Storage: Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or oven; add fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce after reheating.

---

Quick Tips for Meal Prep Success

• Use airtight containers to preserve freshness.
• Cook grains in bulk to save time during the week.
• Keep sauce separate if possible for wraps or pasta to prevent sogginess.
• Add fresh herbs or lemon juice just before serving to revive flavor.