Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal that's perfect for any weeknight? Look no further! Our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus is a trending recipe that's sweeping kitchens everywhere, and for good reason. This one-pan wonder delivers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a dream come true for busy individuals and families alike.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, perfectly complemented by crisp-tender asparagus. This dish isn't just a meal; it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Plus, it's packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome choice you can feel good about.

Ready to discover your new favorite recipe? Let's dive in!

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

One-Pan Simplicity: Say goodbye to endless stacks of dishes! This recipe cooks everything in a single baking dish, saving you precious time on cleanup.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a vibrant and savory sauce that coats every bite of chicken and asparagus.
Healthy & Wholesome: Lean protein from the chicken and nutrient-rich asparagus make this a balanced and nutritious meal.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and active cooking time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under an hour.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite herbs or other vegetables.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless for a lighter option)
1 lb asparagus, trimmed
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping meal that everyone will love!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Asparagus

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin. Arrange the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the trimmed asparagus around the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This is where all the magic happens!

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken and asparagus, ensuring everything is well coated.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the asparagus is tender-crisp. If you're using skin-on chicken, you can broil for the last 5 minutes to achieve extra crispy skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley, if desired. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute in the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily serve it with a side of:

Quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
A simple green salad for added freshness.
Crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and easy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus! You'll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can yield such fantastic results.