Garlic-Butter Chicken with Crispy Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4chicken breast (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 poundasparagus
- 3 tablespoonbutter
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- ·salt (to taste)
- ·black pepper (to taste)
- 4 sprigsfresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 cloves garlic.
- 02
Trim the bottom inch from 1 pound asparagus.
Method
- 01
Pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 02
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once foaming, add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter. Add asparagus, tossing to coat. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tips are caramelized and stems are tender-crisp.
- 04
Add minced garlic and thyme sprigs to the asparagus. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 05
Return chicken to the skillet. Squeeze juice from the lemon over everything, toss gently, and cook 1 minute to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For subtle heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. A dash of Dijon mustard stirred in at the end adds tangy depth. Fresh dill or tarragon can replace thyme for a different herbal note.