After years of testing one-pot dinners, I’ve perfected this creamy lemon garlic chicken with asparagus. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that delivers bright citrus notes, garlic aroma, and tender vegetables—all in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small shallot, finely diced

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season & Sear Chicken

   • Pat chicken dry, season both sides with salt and pepper.

   • Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.

2. Build the Sauce

   • Reduce heat to medium; add shallot and cook 2 minutes until soft.

   • Stir in garlic, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Pour in broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.

3. Finish the Cream Base

   • Whisk in cream, lemon zest, juice, and Dijon.

   • Bring to a gentle simmer, then return chicken to the pan.

4. Cook Asparagus

   • Nestle asparagus around chicken, cover, and cook 6–8 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Garnish & Serve

   • Sprinkle parsley over top. Serve directly from the skillet onto warmed plates.

Pro Tips

• Even Cooking: Pound chicken to an even thickness if using breasts.

• Lighten It Up: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

• Make It Ahead: Prep sauce base up to 1 day ahead; reheat, then add chicken and asparagus.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Minimal Cleanup: One vessel from start to finish.

• Bright & Rich: Lemon cuts through cream for a balanced sauce.

• Versatile: Swap asparagus for green beans or zucchini.

Conclusion

This one-pot creamy lemon garlic chicken with asparagus showcases the beauty of simple ingredients cooked thoughtfully. It’s restaurant-quality comfort with home-kitchen ease—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a busy day.