Description
Garlic butter chicken bites with lemon asparagus dance with Mediterranean flavors, bringing zesty, herbal notes to your dinner plate. Rich protein and crisp vegetables combine in this quick skillet sensation that satisfies both comfort and gourmet cravings you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 bunches asparagus (rinsed and trimmed)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- Slices of lemon (for garnish)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or white wine)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized chunks, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Allow seasoned chicken to rest momentarily.
- Prepare asparagus by trimming woody ends, then quickly blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water to halt cooking process and maintain crisp texture. Drain completely.
- Warm a blend of butter and olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully sauté chicken pieces, rotating to ensure golden brown coloration on all surfaces. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding and steaming.
- Reduce skillet heat, incorporate minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook until aromatic, stirring continuously. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Increase skillet temperature to medium-high. Add additional minced garlic and deglaze pan with chicken broth, allowing liquid to reduce by half.
- Incorporate remaining butter, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir quickly to create a cohesive sauce.
- Introduce blanched asparagus to skillet, tossing gently for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Return chicken to pan, stirring briefly to reheat and coat with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, crushed chili pepper, and lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Let seasoned chicken sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow spices to penetrate and enhance flavor absorption.
- Briefly blanching asparagus helps maintain vibrant green color, crisp texture, and reduces cooking time in the skillet.
- Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps achieve golden-brown exterior and prevents steaming.
- Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use ghee for lactose-intolerant individuals. Replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian option.
- Use fresh herbs and high-quality seasonings to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg