Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken With Asparagus

Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken With Asparagus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 pound asparagus, trimmed; 1 tablespoon butter

Highlighted under: Easy Healthy Meals Ideas

I love cooking dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also bring a splash of color to the table. One of my recent favorites is Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken With Asparagus. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant asparagus, and a luscious creamy sauce makes for a perfect meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. This recipe is quick to prepare and offers a rich, tangy flavor that can easily be paired with any side dish. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners or when entertaining guests!

Created by

Isolde Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-16T06:47:35.934Z

When I first tried making Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken, I was amazed by how simple ingredients like lemon and garlic transformed the dish. I remember experimenting with the creaminess, and a splash of lemon juice at the end brought everything together beautifully. It's a game changer!

My tip for preparing this dish is to cook the asparagus just until tender while the chicken finishes cooking. This way, it retains its vibrant color and crunchy texture, adding an appealing contrast to the creamy chicken. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this vibrant dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce with a zesty lemon kick that brightens the palate
Tender chicken paired with crisp asparagus for a perfect texture contrast
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for any weeknight meal

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce for this dish is what elevates it to a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest creates a luscious texture and a bright flavor profile. As it simmers in the skillet, you'll notice it begins to thicken, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent it from sticking or curdling. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic, allowing it to reduce by half before adding the cream.

When cooking the sauce, timing is crucial to achieve that perfect glossy finish. Keep an eye out for a slight bubbling, which indicates that it's on the right track to thickening. If you find your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more cream or a little chicken broth to adjust the consistency without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, fresh thyme can be substituted for the dried variety for a more aromatic approach, enhancing the depth of this creamy delight.

Perfectly Cooked Asparagus

To achieve perfectly tender but still crisp asparagus, timing is important. When you add the asparagus to the melted butter, aim for about 4-5 minutes of cooking. Keep the heat at medium-high to ensure they cook evenly while still retaining their vibrant green color. You can visually check for doneness by seeing if the asparagus bends slightly when you pick one up with a fork.

If you find yourself without fresh asparagus, you can substitute with green beans or broccoli, which will provide a similar crunch. Another quick tip: if your asparagus spears are particularly thick, consider blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before sautéing, which guarantees they will be tender throughout when served alongside the chicken.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking for an easier cooking experience:

For the chicken:

4 chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the asparagus:

1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon butter

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, and thyme. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Cook the Asparagus

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and add the asparagus. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce, coating it well. Serve the chicken alongside the asparagus and pour any remaining sauce over the top. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Enjoy your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken With Asparagus with your favorite side!

Pro Tips

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to save time, this dish can be made ahead by preparing the chicken and sauce earlier in the day. Simply cook the chicken and let it cool before refrigerating. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce over low heat. This not only reduces your cooking time but also allows the chicken to soak up more flavors from the sauce.

The sauce can also be batch made and stored for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a bit more cream to restore its smoothness. If you're planning to freeze the sauce, do so without adding the lemon juice. Thaw it in the fridge and add the lemon fresh to taste just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of the creamy lemon garlic chicken, consider serving it with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa. These options will soak up the excess sauce beautifully, ensuring you get every last bite of that delicious mixture. A fresh side salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

For a more festive presentation, you might garnish the dish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Don't shy away from experimenting with different herbs like dill or basil as a garnish to give the dish a unique twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of vegetable instead of asparagus?

Absolutely! Broccoli or green beans would also work well in this recipe.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble just before serving.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated without losing flavor.

→ Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.