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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed - 3 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients in this dish are simple yet delicious. I love using boneless chicken breasts for their lean meat. Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright color to the meal. Olive oil brings richness and helps the flavors shine. - 4 garlic cloves, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 lemon, sliced into rounds - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika Seasoning is key to making this dish pop. Garlic gives a bold flavor that I always crave. Lemon zest adds brightness and freshness. The dried thyme and paprika complete the flavor profile, creating a well-rounded taste. - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishing is important for presentation. I always sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the dish's overall taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a hint of freshness, making the dish look inviting. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat cooks the chicken just right. 2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mix becomes your tasty marinade. 1. Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the prepared sheet pan. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. 2. Add 1 bunch of trimmed asparagus to the other half of the sheet pan. Drizzle the rest of the marinade over the asparagus and toss to coat evenly. 3. Arrange lemon slices on top of both the chicken and asparagus. This adds bright flavor and color. 1. Bake the pan in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the asparagus should be tender yet crisp. 2. Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken well. Start by mixing the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the chicken sit in this marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in deeply. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh garlic and ripe lemons bring bright flavors. Choose firm asparagus with vibrant green color. Fresh ingredients make your dish taste amazing. Check the doneness of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. This way, you ensure it is fully cooked and juicy. To ensure your asparagus is tender, watch the cooking time. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes. The asparagus should be bright green and slightly crisp. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. For serving, you have options. You can place the chicken and asparagus on a rustic wooden board. This makes for a nice family-style meal. Alternatively, you can plate each serving with lemon slices on top for color. Enhance the visual appeal with a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely touch. These small details make your dish look gourmet and inviting. {{image_2}} You can swap vegetables for a new taste. Try carrots or bell peppers. Both add color. They also bring a sweet crunch. You can even use broccoli for a different twist. If you prefer a different chicken cut, use thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicy and flavorful. They also cook well with this method. To boost flavor, add spices like oregano or rosemary. These herbs work well with lemon. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for heat. Try different citrus fruits for zest. Lime or orange can change the dish entirely. Their fresh taste will surprise you. This dish can easily fit gluten-free diets. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. So, enjoy without worry! For low-carb options, you can skip the lemon slices. Instead, add more non-starchy veggies. Zucchini or spinach can fit right in. They keep the meal light and healthy. To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place the chicken and asparagus in airtight containers. This helps keep them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to separate the chicken from the asparagus if you want to keep the texture nice. The best way to reheat chicken and asparagus is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the asparagus crisp. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze the dish, let it cool first. Wrap the chicken and asparagus tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For cooking from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. How to know when chicken is fully cooked? You can tell the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This method ensures safety and great taste. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and asparagus a few hours in advance. Marinate the chicken and cover it in the fridge. You can also trim the asparagus ahead of time. Just bake it when you are ready to eat. Can I substitute asparagus with another vegetable? Absolutely! You can use broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. Just cut them to a similar size. Each vegetable will bring a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Is it possible to use skin-on chicken? Yes, skin-on chicken works well. It adds extra flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as skin-on chicken may take a bit longer to cook. Can I grill instead of bake? Yes, grilling is a great option. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken and asparagus on the grill until fully cooked. This method adds a nice smoky flavor. What are the best side dishes to serve with this recipe? Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. These sides balance the meal and add more nutrition. You could also serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices. This recipe uses chicken, asparagus, and a zesty marinade for a tasty dish. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store it properly. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or vegetables to suit your tastes. Lastly, don't hesitate to reheat leftovers for quick meals. Enjoy creating this simple yet delicious recipe!

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus

Savor the flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus Delight with this simple and delicious recipe! Perfectly baked chicken and fresh asparagus are infused with lemon and garlic, making it an irresistible meal for any night. In just 35 minutes, you can create a vibrant dish that serves four. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family or guests with this zesty dinner idea they'll love!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

1 lemon, sliced into rounds

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

      Place the chicken breasts onto the prepared sheet pan, and pour half of the marinade over them, ensuring they're well coated.

        Add the trimmed asparagus to the other half of the sheet pan. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the asparagus and toss to coat evenly.

          Arrange lemon slices on top of the chicken and asparagus for added flavor.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the asparagus is tender yet crisp.

              Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

                Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and asparagus family-style on a rustic wooden board, or plate individually with lemon slices on top for vibrant color. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil for shine.