🍋 Lemon Butter Chicken & Asparagus Rice Bake
Description:
This dish is a comforting, one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and fluffy rice infused with a rich lemon-butter flavor. It’s creamy, zesty, and perfect for an easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
🧾 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (or 1 cup uncooked)
- 2 chicken breasts (cubed or sliced)
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed & cut)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook until lightly golden.
- Stir in asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- In a baking dish, spread cooked rice evenly.
- Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the rice.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
❓ Q&A:
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully cooked before baking.
Q2: Can I make it lighter?
You can replace heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt.
Q3: What can I substitute for asparagus?
Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini work well.
Q4: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.