Skillet Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Caper Sauce: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
Are you searching for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-prepare weeknight dinner? Look no further! This skillet chicken and asparagus recipe, bathed in a bright and tangy lemon caper sauce, is a true winner. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, impressive enough for a casual dinner party, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking techniques to ensure a perfect outcome every time.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less cleanup! Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you valuable time and effort.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Chicken and asparagus are both packed with protein and vitamins, making this a well-balanced and wholesome meal.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The lemon caper sauce adds a bright, tangy, and savory dimension that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to suit your preferences.
* **Elegant Enough for Guests:** While simple to make, this dish looks and tastes sophisticated, making it perfect for a casual dinner party.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful skillet chicken and asparagus:
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and evenly. About 1.5 pounds (approximately 2 medium-sized breasts) is perfect.
* **Asparagus:** Choose fresh, bright green asparagus spears that are firm to the touch. Look for spears that are about the thickness of a pencil. One pound of asparagus will be enough.
* **Lemon:** You’ll need one large lemon for both the juice and the zest. The lemon juice provides acidity and brightness to the sauce, while the zest adds an extra layer of citrusy flavor.
* **Capers:** Capers are pickled flower buds that add a salty, briny, and slightly sour flavor to the sauce. Look for capers packed in brine, and drain them before using. About 2 tablespoons is a good starting point.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for adding depth and aroma to the sauce. Two cloves, minced, will provide a balanced flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish. About 1/2 cup will be sufficient.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and asparagus. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. About 2 tablespoons should be enough.
* **Butter:** A touch of butter adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce. One tablespoon is all you need.
* **Dried Oregano:** Dried oregano adds a subtle earthy and savory note to the dish. About 1/2 teaspoon is perfect.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the chicken, asparagus, and sauce. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and asparagus for a cheesy and savory finish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect skillet chicken and asparagus with lemon caper sauce:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better. Drying the chicken removes excess moisture, allowing for a better sear.
* Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Ensure even seasoning for uniform flavor.
**2. Cook the Chicken:**
* Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the chicken breasts without overcrowding.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Tent them with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the asparagus and sauce. Tenting with foil prevents the chicken from drying out.
**3. Cook the Asparagus:**
* Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Discard the tough ends as they can be stringy and unpleasant to eat.
* Add the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Heat it over medium heat.
* Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking. The asparagus should be bright green and slightly softened but still have a bit of snap.
* Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.
**4. Make the Lemon Caper Sauce:**
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Simmering helps to reduce the broth and concentrate the flavors.
* Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. The sauce should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
* Stir in the butter until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Butter adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
**5. Combine and Serve:**
* Return the cooked chicken breasts and asparagus to the skillet with the lemon caper sauce.
* Spoon the sauce over the chicken and asparagus to coat them evenly.
* Simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Use Chicken Thighs:** If you prefer chicken thighs, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the asparagus and sauté until tender-crisp.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
* **Add White Wine:** For a richer and more complex sauce, add a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
* **Creamy Sauce:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
* **Serve with Rice or Pasta:** This dish pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or quinoa. Serve it over your favorite grain for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the lemon caper sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before adding the chicken and asparagus.
## Serving Suggestions
This skillet chicken and asparagus with lemon caper sauce is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Classic:** Serve it as is, with a side of rice, pasta, or quinoa.
* **Elegant:** Serve it over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a more sophisticated presentation.
* **Light:** Serve it with a side salad for a light and healthy meal.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon caper sauce.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover skillet chicken and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken and asparagus in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. If reheating in a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the chicken from drying out.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
## Recipe Card
**Skillet Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Caper Sauce**
A quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal with tender chicken and asparagus in a bright and tangy lemon caper sauce.
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
* 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
* 2 tbsp capers, drained
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp butter
* 1/2 tsp dried oregano
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat.
6. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. Stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Return the chicken and asparagus to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and simmer for a minute or two.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Enjoy this simple yet elegant Skillet Chicken and Asparagus with Lemon Caper Sauce. This dish is a true testament to how easy and delicious weeknight meals can be.