Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus (One-Pan 30-Minute Dinner)

30 minute meals asparagus chicken recipes clean eating gluten free option healthy dinner low carb meal prep one pan meals quick dinner

Let me tell you a little secret…
There was a time in my life when I dreaded dinnertime. Everything felt like a carb-loaded guilt trap or a bland “healthy” compromise. Then one spring evening, I threw together this lemon garlic chicken with fresh asparagus—and it was like my taste buds woke up from a long winter nap.

Zesty lemon, golden garlic, tender chicken, and crisp asparagus all roasted to perfection in one pan. It was the easiest thing I’d made all week, and my family devoured every bite.

Now it’s in our regular dinner rotation—and it’s perfect if you’re trying to eat clean, lose a little weight, or just get dinner done fast without dirtying a million dishes.

 

📝 What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp sea salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick, grated parmesan to finish

 

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

  2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice + zest, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  3. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on one side of the sheet pan. Brush or spoon 2/3 of the marinade over them.

  4. Add asparagus: Spread the trimmed asparagus on the other side. Toss with remaining marinade.

  5. Bake: Roast for 22–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
    Tip: For extra color, broil the last 2–3 minutes.

  6. Finish & serve: Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

 

💡 Sarah’s Tips

  • Swap the veg: Don’t have asparagus? Try green beans, broccoli, or zucchini.

  • Make it meal prep: This reheats beautifully for lunches the next day.

  • Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, richer flavor.

  • Double it: Feeding a crowd? Just use two sheet pans.

 

🍽️ A Dinner Worth Repeating

This lemon garlic chicken is a total weeknight win: light, bright, full of flavor, and practically mess-free. Whether you’re trying to eat low-carb, sneak in more veggies, or just get out of your dinner rut—this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar (even when you're exhausted).

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