1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Asparagus
- Cook Asparagus: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the asparagus until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
3. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a bit of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Combine and Serve
- Return Chicken and Asparagus: Return the cooked chicken and asparagus to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamy lemon chicken and asparagus over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Flatten the Chicken: Ensuring the chicken breasts are of even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lemon juice and zest makes a big difference in flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Chicken and Asparagus is a perfect blend of bright, tangy flavors and rich, creamy textures. This dish is not only easy to make but also elegant enough to impress at any dinner. With tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a luscious lemon cream sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy! 🍋🍗🌿