Juicy, garlicky chicken bites meet tender asparagus in a buttery lemon garlic sauce—this recipe is so flavorful and ridiculously easy, you’ll want to make it every night of the week. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate skillet dinner!
🕒 Quick Recipe Snapshot
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Dietary Info: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Option, High-Protein
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
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3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 bunches asparagus, cleaned and trimmed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided (1/4 cup for sautéing, 1/4 cup for sauce)
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1 tsp olive oil
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2 tsp minced garlic, divided
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
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1 tbsp hot sauce (optional – Sriracha adds a nice kick)
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1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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Juice of 1/2 a lemon
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
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Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon slices for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Asparagus
1. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup butter and olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken pieces, 1 tsp garlic, seasoning, and optional hot sauce. Sauté for about 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the Asparagus
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and 1 tsp garlic. Toss in asparagus and sauté for 4–5 minutes until bright green and just tender.
3. Build the Sauce
Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the buttery lemon sauce.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Garnish with lemon slices and serve hot straight from the skillet.
💡 Pro Tips
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – Brown the chicken in batches if needed for that perfect golden sear.
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Asparagus tip: Thin stalks cook fast—adjust sauté time to avoid mushy veggies.
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Lemon love: Add zest along with juice for extra brightness.
🧾 Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons
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Chicken: Swap for boneless thighs for richer flavor.
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Veggies: Try green beans or zucchini if asparagus isn’t your fave.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative.
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Low-Sodium Hack: Use homemade or no-salt chicken broth and skip added salt.
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Pairings
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Serve over cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a hearty dinner.
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Add crusty bread to soak up that lemon garlic butter sauce.
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Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling lemonade.
🧊 Storage & Reheat Tips
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium with a splash of broth.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Portion with rice or veggies into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prep everything in advance, then cook fresh for best flavor.
Q: How spicy is the hot sauce?
A: Totally optional—leave it out for a milder dish or adjust to taste.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
📝 Kristy’s Kitchen Note
This dish is one of those throw-it-in-a-pan-and-wow-the-family dinners. It’s buttery and garlicky with just enough zip from the lemon and herbs. My kids love picking the bites right out of the pan before it even hits the plate—honestly, I don’t blame them. 😉
Let’s Get Cooking!
Did you try this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Asparagus? Tag your creations with @KristyCooks and let’s spread the flavor love! 💬👇 Don’t forget to drop a comment or star rating—your feedback means the world!