Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken chunks and crisp asparagus tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and packs a punch of flavor with minimal ingredients and effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)asparagussaltblack peppergarlic powderpaprikaolive oilunsalted buttergarlic (minced)chicken brothlemon juicefresh parsley (chopped)
directions
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add trimmed asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Return the chicken to the skillet, then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use broccoli or green beans in place of asparagus for a different veggie twist.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Top with grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work just as well and may be even juicier.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain before cooking.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for keto.
What can I serve this with?
Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or over pasta for a hearty meal.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely, it holds up well in the fridge and is easy to reheat.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. With juicy chicken, vibrant asparagus, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s a simple yet delicious option for busy nights or healthy meal prep.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender chicken bite‑sized pieces sautéed in garlic‑butter sauce with crisp asparagus—a quick and flavorful one‑pan dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite‑sized chunks
- 2 bunches asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
- ½ cup butter (¼ cup for cooking, ¼ cup for sauce)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup low‑sodium chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp minced parsley
- Crushed red chili flakes (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Seasoning for chicken: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Season chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and onion powder; set aside.
- Blanch asparagus in boiling water 2 min, then shock in ice water; drain and set aside (optional if thin).
- In skillet over medium, melt ¼ cup butter with olive oil; brown chicken in batches until golden.
- Lower heat, add 1 tsp garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, ~1 min; remove chicken.
- Add remaining garlic, pour in broth, bring to simmer and reduce by half.
- Stir in remaining ¼ cup butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, parsley.
- Add asparagus; toss 2 min. Return chicken, warm through ~1 min.
- Garnish with parsley, chili flakes, and lemon slices; serve immediately.
Notes
- Thicker asparagus benefit from blanching; thin stalks can skip this step.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Enrich sauce optionally with a splash of white wine.
- Leftovers keep 3 days in fridge; reheat gently.
- Veggie swaps: green beans, broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower rice work well.