Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero

Fancy a quick and tasty chicken dinner? I know I always do! This easy fast chicken dinner recipes is my go-to when I'm short on time.

It’s bursting with lemon and herb flavours, guaranteed to brighten up even the dullest Tuesday night. It also is one of the Easy Chicken Recipes For Family

Why This Chicken Rocks

This isn’t just any chicken dish. It is a Classic Weeknight Dinners It's a Mediterranean inspired delight. It's super simple and ready in under 30 minutes. Think sunshine on a plate.

This recipe is inspired by my Italian holidays. I'd visit small town in Italy, and the food was fantastic. I wanted to recreate that simple, fresh flavour.

This dish is the result and will become one of your Best Homemade Dinner Recipes .

Quick & Easy Chicken Magic

This is a 30-minute chicken recipes , start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights. It only takes 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook.

It serves 4, making it ideal for a small family.

One of the best things is this recipe will become one of your favorite Easy But Filling Dinners . Plus, you get a good dose of protein.

Lean chicken is a great source of energy and helps keep you full. It is one of the Fast healthy chicken meals .

What Makes This Recipe Special

Honestly, it’s the freshness that gets me. The lemon and herbs make the chicken sing. It's also super versatile. Serve it with roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a simple salad.

I promise you will add it to your Quick chicken dinner ideas .

Let’s get started! First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Don't worry, it's all stuff you probably already have.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano), or 1 teaspoon dried (15 ml fresh, 5 ml dried)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (5 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For the Asparagus
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed (450g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste

You'll also need the basic equipment.

Alright, let's get into what you'll need for this Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken. It's one of those easy fast chicken dinner recipes that feels fancy.

But, honestly, it's totally doable on a weeknight. I swear, this is one of the best easy chicken recipes for family meals that is really tasty.

Ingredients & Equipment

Trust me, this isn't rocket science. We're aiming for classic weeknight dinners here. These are the best homemade dinner recipes .

Also, this is one of those 30-minute chicken recipes that will save you.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Each should be around 6 oz (170g) . Try and get organic if you can. Quality chicken makes all the difference.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin is always a good shout.

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.

• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Freshly squeezed, naturally! Bottled juice just doesn't have the same zing.

• Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh (rosemary, thyme, oregano). Or 1 teaspoon dried (15 ml fresh, 5 ml dried) . I normally just use what I have in the garden.

• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . This adds a proper punch.

• Asparagus: 1 pound (450g) , trimmed. Look for bright green spears that aren't too thick.

You know, my nan always said fresh ingredients are key. Honestly, she wasn't wrong!

Seasoning Notes

For seasoning, keep it simple but effective. Salt and pepper are a must. Lemon and herbs create a fantastic flavour.

I'm telling you, chicken breast recipes healthy can actually be delicious. If you're feeling brave, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick.

If you don't have fresh herbs, dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch. Just use about 1 teaspoon . I can also suggest white wine vinegar if you don't have lemon.

Equipment Needed

You don't need much kit for this one. A large skillet or frying pan is essential. You'll need a baking sheet for the asparagus.

A small bowl for the marinade too. Got it?

If you don't have a lemon zester, no worries. Just finely chop the lemon peel. You can sub a skillet with a deep frying pan.

So versatile for weeknight chicken recipes for beginners

This recipe is for those easy but filling dinners ! So, let's get cooking this fast healthy chicken meals !

Alright, let's get cooking! Today, it’s all about easy fast chicken dinner recipes . I am sharing my recipe for a super quick and delicious dish.

This Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus is the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights. Honestly, it's one of my go-to's.

Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken: Get Ready!

First, the mise en place is crucial. Having everything ready saves time. Chop your herbs and mince the garlic. This will prevent any frantic scrambling later.

Safety first! Keep raw chicken away from other ingredients to avoid cross contamination.

Time saving tip: Measure out all your spices in advance. This helps to keep things moving smoothly. Let's make this a classic weeknight dinner .

Bish, Bash, Bosh: Cooking Made Easy

Here’s the step-by-step process . You'll see how quickly 30-minute chicken recipes can come together:

1. Mix the marinade . Whisk olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken . Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade. Let it sit for 10- 30 minutes .
3. Heat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast asparagus for 8- 10 minutes . They should be tender crisp.
5. Cook chicken for 5- 7 minutes . Each side in a hot skillet. The internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) .
6. Rest and serve . Slice if desired. Enjoy with roasted asparagus!

The color is your cue for doneness. Look for a golden brown crust on the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.

Pro Tips for Epic Chicken

Here are some expert techniques :

• A hot pan is key. Make sure that the skillet is hot before you add the chicken. This gives you a nice sear.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer. Chicken breasts can dry out easily. Aim for 165° F ( 74° C).
• Pound the chicken. If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them. This makes for even cooking.

One common mistake: overcrowding the pan! The chicken won't sear properly if the pan is too full. Consider this as one of those easy chicken recipes for family .

make-ahead options : Marinate the chicken the night before. You can also roast the asparagus ahead of time. Store it in the fridge.

This can transform this recipe into one of the best quick chicken dinner ideas .

Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon

Alright, you've got the recipe for Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus. Now, let's talk about the little things.

These can elevate this easy fast chicken dinner into something truly special. It is one of our easy chicken recipes for family that everyone will love.

Honestly, these notes are where the magic happens!

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Plating matters, loves. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on top makes a world of difference. Seriously, it transforms this 30-minute chicken recipe .

We serve this with quinoa or couscous. It is perfect if you are looking for Easy but Filling Dinners . If you are using chicken breast recipes healthy add a dollop of Greek yogurt.

It will add a tangy coolness. A simple green salad balances everything out.

Storage Tips: Make it Last!

Got leftovers? Pop the chicken and asparagus in separate airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal for the asparagus, but you can freeze the cooked chicken. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . It is so good and one of our favorite Classic Weeknight Dinners .

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want to shake things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick. Feta cheese? Oh my gosh, crumbled feta over the chicken and asparagus is DIVINE.

Need a dietary swap? Green beans or broccoli work great instead of asparagus. Just remember to adjust the roasting time.

These Weeknight chicken recipes for beginners are so simple!

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Each serving clocks in around 350 calories . It has a whopping 40g of protein . The dish is also packed with healthy fats and essential vitamins.

This Speedy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus is a champion for a balanced diet. It's one of those fast healthy chicken meals you can feel good about.

So there you have it! These little tips will help you nail this easy fast chicken dinner recipes . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

You got this! Soon you'll be adding this to your best homemade dinner recipes archive!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make sure my chicken breasts don't end up dry and tough? Nobody wants chicken like that!

Nobody wants chicken like shoe leather! The key is not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly.

Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking; this redistributes the juices for a more tender result.

I'm short on time are there any ways to speed up these easy fast chicken dinner recipes even more?

Absolutely! If you're really pressed for time, you can skip the marinating step or reduce it to just 5 minutes. Pre-cut your asparagus when you get home from the shops or the farmers market, that saves valuable time. A hot pan is your friend for fast cooking - make sure it's properly heated before adding your chicken!

Can I substitute other vegetables for the asparagus in this recipe? My kids aren't massive fans of the green stuff.

Of course! Green beans or broccoli are excellent substitutes for asparagus. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly; you want them tender crisp, not mushy. You could also use bell peppers or zucchini for a colourful and flavorful alternative.

How long can I store leftovers, and what's the best way to reheat this easy fast chicken dinner recipes dish?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (though the chicken might dry out a bit), or better yet, gently warm it in a skillet with a little olive oil or chicken broth to keep it moist.

You can also reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

I'm trying to watch my salt intake. Any tips for reducing sodium in this recipe?

Definitely! Start by using low-sodium chicken broth if you are making a sauce. Use fresh herbs generously, as they add flavor without sodium. You can also reduce the amount of salt you add, and taste as you go. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of pepper can enhance the flavor without relying on salt.

What other variations can I add to make this easy fast chicken dinner recipes different?

You can add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the dish after it is cooked. For a spicey kick, add chili flakes! Get creative with different herbs, like basil or mint. The most important thing is to experiment with things that you know you like to eat!