One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Featured in: One-Pot Warm Meals

This vibrant dish combines juicy chicken breasts with fresh asparagus, all enhanced by a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Cooked together in one pan, it delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup. Searing the chicken to a golden crust locks in moisture, while the sautéed onions and garlic complement the tangy lemon and oregano blend. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal that balances bright citrus notes with savory spices.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:32:00 GMT
Juicy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, drizzled in zesty sauce, ready to enjoy.  Save to Pinterest
Juicy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, drizzled in zesty sauce, ready to enjoy. | frostkettle.com

A vibrant and easy weeknight meal featuring juicy chicken, fresh asparagus, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, all cooked together in one pan for effortless cleanup.

This recipe has become a staple in my home for quick dinners that don't sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each), 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp paprika
  • Vegetables: 1 bunch (about 400 g) fresh asparagus trimmed, 1 medium red onion sliced
  • Sauce & Aromatics: 3 tbsp olive oil divided, 4 garlic cloves minced, Zest of 1 lemon, Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp), 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Season chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry Season both sides with salt pepper and paprika
Sear chicken:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat Add chicken and sear 2 3 minutes per side until golden Remove to a plate
Sauté vegetables:
Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet Sauté the onion for 2 minutes then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Arrange in skillet:
Arrange asparagus in the skillet Place chicken breasts on top of vegetables
Add sauce:
In a small bowl combine lemon zest lemon juice oregano and red pepper flakes Drizzle mixture over chicken and asparagus
Bake:
Transfer skillet to the oven Bake 15 18 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and asparagus is tender
Rest and serve:
Remove from oven Rest 3 minutes Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges
Vibrant One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, served with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.  Save to Pinterest
Vibrant One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, served with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. | frostkettle.com

This dish always brings my family together around the dinner table with smiles and full plates.

Required Tools

Large ovenproof skillet Tongs Knife and cutting board Citrus zester/juicer

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens Always check labels for hidden gluten or other allergens if using pre-packaged spices or stock

Nutritional Information

Calories 320 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 42 g per serving

Savory One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, steaming hot and bursting with flavor. Save to Pinterest
Savory One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus, steaming hot and bursting with flavor. | frostkettle.com

Enjoy this flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights and healthy eating.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Pat the chicken dry and sear it on medium-high heat to lock in juices before baking. Avoid overcooking by monitoring internal temperature.

Can I substitute asparagus with other vegetables?

Yes, alternatives like green beans, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes work well and complement the lemon garlic flavors.

What can I use instead of boneless chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs can be used for extra moisture and flavor; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, the combination of protein and vegetables makes it ideal for low-carb and gluten-free eating plans.

How do I get the best flavor from the lemon garlic sauce?

Use fresh lemon zest and juice along with minced garlic and dried oregano, drizzling evenly over chicken and veggies before baking.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken breasts cooked with asparagus, lemon zest, and garlic for a flavorful, easy meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Information No Dairy, Wheat-Free, Reduced-Carb

What You Need

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5.3 oz each)
02 1 tsp kosher salt
03 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 1 tsp paprika

Vegetables

01 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed (14 oz)
02 1 medium red onion, sliced

Sauce and Aromatics

01 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
02 4 garlic cloves, minced
03 Zest of 1 lemon
04 Juice of 1 lemon (2 tbsp)
05 1 tsp dried oregano
06 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges, for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Step 02

Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 03

Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.

Step 04

Sauté Aromatics: Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté sliced onion for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 05

Arrange Vegetables and Chicken: Place trimmed asparagus in the skillet and arrange chicken breasts atop the vegetables.

Step 06

Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle evenly over chicken and asparagus.

Step 07

Bake Until Cooked: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and asparagus is tender.

Step 08

Rest and Garnish: Remove skillet from oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large ovenproof skillet
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Citrus zester or juicer

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens but verify spices and stock labels for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 42 g