This Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus is a fresh, vibrant one-pan dinner perfect for spring. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and paired with crisp asparagus, all drizzled in a tangy, sweet lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, honey, and soy. It’s a quick, wholesome meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb (2 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup coconut flour (or white flour)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped

• ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ¼ cup honey (omit for low-carb version)

• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (divided)

• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1 bunch asparagus (15–20 spears), trimmed

• 1 lemon, sliced

Directions

Make the Sauce:

1. In a medium skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

2. Stir in lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and half the parsley. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly reduced. Season with pepper. Transfer sauce to a bowl and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally and pound flat if needed.

2. Dredge chicken in coconut flour seasoned with salt.

3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies:

1. In the same pan, cook lemon slices until lightly caramelized, pressing down to release flavor. Remove and set aside.

2. Add asparagus and a dab of butter to the pan. Sauté until tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Drizzle some of the reserved lemon butter sauce over asparagus.

Assemble & Serve:
Return chicken to the skillet over asparagus, top with lemon slices, and drizzle with remaining sauce. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients (Per serving, approx. 2 servings)

• Calories: ~450

• Protein: ~35g

• Fat: ~22g

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~15g

• Sodium: ~450mg

Why This Dish Works So Well

The secret to this dish’s success lies in its harmony of flavor and texture. The chicken breasts, coated in seasoned flour and pan-seared to a golden crust, provide the perfect canvas for the sauce to cling to. Coconut flour offers a subtle nuttiness and light coating without overpowering the other ingredients. The tender asparagus, lightly sautéed, brings crunch and a clean vegetal sweetness that balances the richness of the butter and the tang of the lemon.

Meanwhile, the sauce is what truly elevates this recipe. Combining garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey, it offers a nuanced medley of sweet, tangy, salty, and umami notes. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, while soy sauce adds depth and complexity. Honey adds a gentle sweetness that rounds out the acidity, ensuring the final taste is smooth and pleasing rather than sharp or overwhelming.

The Importance of One-Pan Cooking

Another highlight of this recipe is the convenience and simplicity of one-pan cooking. With everything happening in a single skillet, the flavors build on top of each other in layers. The bits left behind after cooking the chicken deglaze into the lemon butter sauce, adding an incredible richness. The asparagus, cooked in the same pan, picks up hints of lemon and garlic while maintaining its crispness.

One-pan meals also mean less cleanup, which is always a win for home cooks juggling work, family, or other commitments. It also makes the dish more approachable for beginner cooks who might be intimidated by complex recipes with multiple components.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus is as nutritious as it is delicious. Each serving offers around 450 calories, making it a satisfying yet balanced choice for lunch or dinner. With approximately 35 grams of protein per serving, it supports muscle maintenance, energy levels, and satiety.

Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse—low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber. It also contains antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The lemon in the sauce adds a boost of vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and immune support.

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, this recipe can be easily adapted by omitting or reducing the honey. Using coconut flour also makes it gluten-free and adds healthy fats and fiber to the dish.

Cooking Tips and Variations

To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, consider slicing large breasts in half horizontally and pounding them to an even thickness. This not only helps them cook faster but also allows for a more even golden crust. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure proper browning.

If you’re not a fan of coconut flour, feel free to substitute with almond flour or regular all-purpose flour depending on dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter alternatives.

The sauce can also be customized to your liking. If you enjoy a spicy kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the lemon butter mix. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness profile.

In terms of vegetables, asparagus is a seasonal favorite for spring, but you could easily substitute or add others. Green beans, broccoli florets, or snap peas would work wonderfully with the flavor profile of the lemon garlic sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is quite versatile when it comes to what you can pair it with. It shines as a standalone low-carb meal, but it also goes wonderfully with sides like:

• Herbed couscous or quinoa for a Mediterranean twist

• Mashed or roasted potatoes for a more comforting option

• Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a hearty yet wholesome base

• Crusty artisan bread to soak up the extra lemon butter sauce

Garnish with lemon slices, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flair. Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for an elevated dinner experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus. It’s quick—ready in under 30 minutes—making it a go-to for weeknight dinners when you want something wholesome but don’t have time for elaborate cooking. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures the dish feels vibrant and alive.

The sauce, though simple, is deeply flavorful and enhances each component of the dish. The use of lemon, honey, and soy sauce may remind you of your favorite restaurant-quality dishes, but it’s entirely achievable at home.

This dish is also family-friendly. Kids tend to love the lightly sweet and savory profile, and adults appreciate the fresh, clean flavors. It’s impressive enough to serve guests but approachable enough to become a regular part of your weeknight rotation.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus is a stellar example of how simplicity and elegance can coexist in home cooking. Its bright flavors, speedy preparation, and balanced nutrition make it an ideal dish for anyone seeking delicious meals without the stress. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking to expand your repertoire, this one-pan wonder will not disappoint.

Every element of the dish—from the golden seared chicken to the vibrant asparagus and tangy lemon sauce—comes together harmoniously. It’s a reminder that healthy meals don’t have to be boring and that classic ingredients like lemon, butter, and garlic can still surprise and delight when thoughtfully combined.

Add this recipe to your spring and summer meal plans, and it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.