One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus
Lightly breaded garlic lemon parmesan chicken and asparagus all cooked on one pan. Easy and delicious dinner!
Lightly breaded garlic lemon parmesan chicken and asparagus all cooked on one pan. Easy and delicious dinner!
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 cup panko*
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (separated)
- 3-4 lemons
- 8 tablespoons melted butter (separated i use unsalted)
- optional: fresh parsley 1 lemon for topping
- Carbohydrate 34.6187141233903 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.43455849447484 g
- Fiber 3.14924024183675 g
- Protein 4.62349982450253 g
- Saturated Fat 0.567266911415188 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (266g)
- Sodium 107.041280951395 mg
- Sugar 31.4694738815535 g
- Trans Fat 0.250503979060973 g
- Calories 178 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Grab three bowls. Add the flour to one bowl.
- Combine panko, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt (I use seasoned salt) and pepper. Stir.
- In the final bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest, 4-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on lemon flavor intensity desired), minced garlic, and 5 tablespoons melted butter. Stir. Remove 4 tablespoons of this mixture and set aside.
- Slice chicken breasts to the size of tenders (about 1 and 1/4th inch strips) or use chicken tenders.
- Coat in flour, heavily dredge in garlic lemon mixture, and then coat in the Parmesan panko mixture.
- Place on prepared sheet pan. Use any remaining Parmesan panko mixture and sprinkle over tenders. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over the tenders (I use Mrs. Dash lemon pepper).
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes and remove.
- Flip the tenders to the other side.
- Place the asparagus next to the tenders and drizzle the reserved lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and toss with tongs.
- If desired place lemon slices over the chicken (optional)
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, whisk remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 3 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. Add some pepper and parsley if desired.
- Remove from the oven and top with the honey lemon mixture and fresh parsley if desired and enjoy immediately.
- Do not top chicken breasts with the honey lemon mixture unless eating immediately and aren't planning on having leftovers since it will make it soggy.
One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like climbing Mount Everest some days. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands on my time, the last thing I want to spend my precious evenings doing is slaving over a hot stove. That's why recipes like this One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus are absolute lifesavers. It's quick, easy, minimal cleanup, and tastes fantastic – a true weeknight winner.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, which means less mess and less time spent washing dishes. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, with a crispy parmesan panko coating that adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender, juicy meat. The asparagus, roasted alongside the chicken, absorbs the flavorful lemon butter sauce, becoming tender-crisp and perfectly complemented by the parmesan cheese. The whole dish is infused with a bright, zesty lemon flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.
I often double the recipe on busy weeks and have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the second time around. This dish is incredibly versatile, too. You can easily substitute other vegetables for the asparagus, such as broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variations. One thing remains constant, though – the incredible flavor and convenience of this one-pan wonder.
The secret to the crispy chicken lies in the three-step breading process. First, the chicken is coated in flour, providing a base for the flavorful lemon butter mixture to adhere to. Then, it's generously dredged in the garlic-lemon mixture, adding tons of flavor and moisture. Finally, the parmesan panko crust creates that irresistible crunch. The key is to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for optimal results.
I love to serve this dish with a side of quinoa or rice, although it's perfectly delicious on its own. It's a complete meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The bright, zesty flavors are perfect for a light summer dinner, but it's equally satisfying and comforting during the colder months. It's one of those recipes that's impressive enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
So, next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and healthy meal, give this One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. The ease of preparation, the minimal cleanup, and the explosion of flavors will make it a regular on your dinner rotation, I guarantee it. It's a recipe that’s become a staple in my home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!
Variations and Tips for Success
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko mixture for a little heat.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pan, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Change up the protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: Add some potatoes or sweet potatoes to the pan for a complete one-pan meal.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
For the best results, make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The freshness of the ingredients will significantly impact the overall flavor of the dish. Also, don't overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent the chicken and asparagus from cooking evenly. If you need to, cook the chicken and asparagus in batches.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Cooking should be fun, and this recipe is a great starting point for your culinary creativity. Adjust the seasonings to your liking and feel free to add your own personal touches to create a dish that's uniquely yours. So get cooking and enjoy this simple yet delicious one pan wonder!
