Experience a burst of flavor with every bite of this vibrant dish: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus. Perfectly seared chicken bites mingle with mildly tangy asparagus, all wrapped in a velvety garlic butter sauce, making it a delightful meal suitable for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce enhances every bite, amplifying the natural flavors of both chicken and asparagus.
- Quick and Simple: With minimal ingredients and steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Pairing: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize your meal.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of asparagus and lemons make it a feast for the eyes as well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is purposefully chosen to add depth and richness, so let’s ensure each component shines!
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and tender results.
- Asparagus: Adds a vibrant crunch and a slight vegetal sweetness.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Create a golden crust on the chicken and add richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: The heart of the sauce, offering a robust flavor that permeates the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a refreshing zing and balances the richness.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with this recipe, embracing substitutions that align with your personal tastes or dietary needs. Flexibility is key to making this dish truly your own.
- Herb Swaps: Use fresh basil or cilantro in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with tofu for a plant-based version.
- Spice Lovers: Increase the hot sauce or add jalapeños for an extra kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, creating uniform pieces for even cooking. Season generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder, allowing the spices to permeate the meat, enhancing its natural juices.
Step 2: Blanch and Prep the Asparagus
Give your asparagus a quick blanch in boiling water. This not only ensures they remain vibrantly green but also perfectly tender to the bite. Immediately transfer to ice water to halt the cooking process, preserving their crisp bite.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Bites
In your skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. The combined fats will give a beautiful sear to the chicken without burning the butter. Stir-fry until golden brown, infusing the meat with a savory richness from the garlic and herbs.
Step 4: Create the Zesty Sauce
Use the same skillet to harness all the flavors left behind after searing the chicken. Deglaze with chicken broth, allowing it to reduce. Stir in more butter, lemon juice, and hot sauce, crafting a sauce that’s both luscious and vibrant.
Step 5: Finish with Asparagus and Reheat Chicken
Add the crisp asparagus to the skillet, tossing them in the shimmering sauce. Return the chicken bites to the pan, gently stirring them until thoroughly heated, enhancing every element with that irresistible garlic butter sheen.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus
- Perfect Browning: Ensure your skillet is hot and avoid overcrowding to achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken bites.
- Asparagus Timing: Blanch the asparagus only briefly to maintain their vibrant green and crisp texture, making them a standout component of the dish.
- Sauce Reduction: Allow the chicken broth to reduce sufficiently, ensuring a concentrated flavor and a glossy finish before adding the butter.
- Balancing Heat: For a milder dish, adjust the amount of hot sauce or completely omit the chili flakes to tailor the spice level.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh parsley and slices of lemon not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh burst that complements the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delectable sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider arranging the chicken bites and asparagus around a central bowl of the garlic butter sauce, inviting guests to serve themselves and savor the flavors in their own preferred combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring the flavors remain fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to two months. Be sure to separate the asparagus and chicken when freezing to maintain the best texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave on a medium setting, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier option and hold up excellently in this recipe, maintaining tenderness even with extended cooking times.
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What can I use as a butter substitute?
If you’re looking to cut down on dairy, consider a high-quality olive oil or a vegan butter alternative to maintain the rich flavor profile of the sauce.
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Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Vegetable or chicken broth makes a wonderful non-alcoholic alternative, keeping the sauce flavorful while adding depth and moisture.
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How can I reduce the spice level?
To reduce the spice, simply omit or reduce the amount of hot sauce and red chili pepper flakes, tailoring the heat to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously quick and engaging dinner, give Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus a try. This tantalizing dish is sure to win over everyone at your table with its rich flavors and easy preparation. I can’t wait to hear how it spices up your dinner rotation!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy this flavorful garlic butter chicken bites with lemon-infused asparagus, a quick and delicious meal combining tender chicken, vibrant greens, and a zesty sauce perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
For the asparagus and sauce:
- 2 bunches of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup butter, divided (1/4 cup for browning the chicken and 1/4 cup for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided (1 teaspoon for the chicken bites and 1 teaspoon for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha), optional
- 1/2 cup (125ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
- Slices of lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Set aside on a shallow plate while preparing the asparagus.
- Blanch the Asparagus: Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus. Blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt 1/4 cup butter with olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites and gently stir-fry on all sides until golden brown. Lower the temperature and add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of minced garlic over medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and simmer until reduced by half. Add the remaining 1/4 cup butter, lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), and parsley. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Asparagus: Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and toss for about 2 minutes until tender. Push the asparagus to one side of the skillet.
- Reheat the Chicken: Return chicken bites to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to reheat. Garnish with more parsley, chili flakes, and lemon slices.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon asparagus. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, increase hot sauce or chili flakes.
- You can substitute chicken broth with white wine for added depth of flavor.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the asparagus during blanching for optimal texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor; can be replaced with basil or cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
