Zesty Lemon Dill Butter Garlic Chicken with Asparagus: A One-Pan Wonder

There’s something magical about the combination of lemon, dill, and garlic that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but refused to compromise on flavor. What started as a desperate attempt to use up ingredients in my fridge has become one of my most requested dishes when friends come over.

This one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken breasts, crisp asparagus, and a buttery sauce infused with fresh dill and zesty lemon. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its vibrant flavors but also in its simplicity—everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless. Let me walk you through how to create this delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Perfect Pairing: Why Chicken and Asparagus Work So Well Together

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why chicken and asparagus make such a delightful combination. Chicken, with its mild flavor profile, serves as an excellent canvas for the bold aromatics we’ll be using. Meanwhile, asparagus brings a fresh, earthy quality that complements the richness of the butter sauce.

Nutritionally, this pairing offers a beautiful balance of protein from the chicken and fiber from the asparagus. The asparagus also provides essential vitamins like A, C, E, and K, plus folate and chromium. When these two ingredients come together with our lemony, herbaceous sauce, the result is both satisfying and nourishing.

I personally love how the asparagus soaks up the buttery sauce, becoming infused with the garlic and dill flavors while still maintaining its pleasant texture. It’s truly a match made in culinary heaven.

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Dill Butter Garlic Chicken

To create this delicious one-pan meal, you’ll need these key ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Asparagus:

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Dill Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• Additional fresh dill sprigs
• Lemon slices
• Flaky sea salt

I always recommend using fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially for the dill, garlic, and lemon. The brightness of fresh herbs and citrus makes a noticeable difference in the final dish. However, I understand that sometimes we have to work with what we have on hand. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried dill, though the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.

Choosing the Best Chicken and Asparagus

The quality of your main ingredients will significantly impact your final dish. Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error:

Selecting Chicken

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. Look for breasts that are similar in size and thickness to ensure uniform cooking. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you may want to butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch.

When shopping, opt for chicken that is:

• Pale pink in color with minimal fat
• Firm to the touch
• Free from a strong odor
• Preferably organic or free-range for better flavor

Choosing Asparagus

Asparagus is available year-round, but its peak season is spring. When selecting asparagus:

• Look for firm, straight stalks with closed, compact tips
• Choose spears of similar thickness for even cooking
• Check that the cut ends aren’t too woody or dried out
• Fresh asparagus should be bright green with a slight purple hue at the tips

For this recipe, medium-thickness spears work best. Very thin asparagus can overcook quickly, while extremely thick stalks may remain too firm when the chicken is done.

Preparation Techniques: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Proper preparation is key to making this dish come together smoothly. Here’s how I prepare each component:

Preparing the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better sear.
2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.

Preparing the Asparagus

1. Rinse the asparagus thoroughly under cold water.
2. Hold each spear at both ends and bend until it snaps naturally. The breaking point separates the tender upper portion from the woody stem.
3. Discard the woody ends or save them for making stock.
4. Pat the asparagus dry and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the Aromatics and Sauce Components

1. Mince the garlic cloves finely. I prefer doing this by hand rather than using a garlic press for better texture and flavor release.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh dill, then chop it finely, reserving a few sprigs for garnish.
3. Zest one lemon using a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only take the yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith.
4. Juice the lemons and strain out any seeds.
5. Measure out the chicken broth and honey.

Having all these components ready before you start cooking makes the process much more enjoyable and efficient.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve prepared all our ingredients, let’s bring everything together in one pan:

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers.
2. Cook the chicken:
   • Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet.
   • Sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
   • Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (it will rise to 165°F while resting).
   • Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Prepare the skillet for the sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to medium.
   • Without cleaning the skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
4. Make the sauce:
   • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and honey, stirring to combine.
   • Add the lemon zest, chopped dill, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
5. Cook the asparagus:
   • Add the prepared asparagus to the simmering sauce.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes for medium-thick spears, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and just tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Finish the dish:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the asparagus.
   • Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
   • Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the flavors have melded.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the chicken and asparagus to serving plates.
   • Spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
   • Garnish with fresh dill sprigs, lemon slices, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks sometimes encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common problems you might face with this recipe:

Chicken Issues

Asparagus Issues

Sauce Issues

Serving Suggestions and Complementary Sides

This dish is a star on its own, but I love to round out the meal with sides that complement its bright, herby flavors. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments:

Starchy Sides

• Fluffy basmati rice or wild rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce
• Crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread
• Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
• Lemon orzo pasta tossed with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs

Vegetable Additions

• A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Sautéed spinach with garlic
• Steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon

For a Special Occasion

• A light cucumber and dill yogurt salad
• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter
• Roasted bell peppers and onions
• Mediterranean quinoa salad

For a complete meal that requires minimal effort, I often just serve this dish with some good quality crusty bread and a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible lemon dill butter sauce!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the reasons I love this recipe is its flexibility. Here’s how you can work it into your meal planning:

Make-Ahead Options

Partial Prep:

• Season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated
• Trim and prepare the asparagus up to 2 days ahead, storing in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator
• Mince garlic and chop dill up to 24 hours ahead, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator
• Zest and juice lemons up to 24 hours ahead, storing juice in a sealed container in the refrigerator

Complete Dish: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it entirely up to 2 days ahead:

1. Slightly undercook both the chicken and asparagus
2. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container
3. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed

Storage Guidelines

I personally find that the leftovers make an excellent lunch the next day. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making for an even more delicious meal. I like to slice the leftover chicken and serve it cold over a salad with the asparagus.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

While the classic recipe is delicious as is, I love experimenting with variations to suit different tastes or use what I have on hand:

Protein Swaps

• Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture
• Try with firm white fish fillets like cod or halibut (reduce cooking time)
• Use pork tenderloin medallions for a delicious alternative
• For a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu slabs or portobello mushrooms

Vegetable Variations

• Replace asparagus with green beans, broccolini, or sugar snap peas
• Add cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for a pop of color and flavor
• Include small cubes of zucchini or yellow squash with the asparagus
• Mix in baby spinach just before serving to wilt in the warm sauce

Flavor Twists

• Mediterranean: Add capers, olives, and oregano to the sauce
• Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end
• Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the garlic
• Herbaceous: Include fresh tarragon or parsley along with the dill

Different Cooking Methods

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also quite nutritious. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Dietary Adaptations

The recipe is naturally:

• Gluten-free
• Low-carb
• Keto-friendly

For other dietary needs:

Dairy-Free:

• Replace butter with olive oil or a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute
• The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious

Paleo:

• Use ghee instead of butter
• Replace chicken broth with bone broth
• Omit the honey or replace with a small amount of date paste

Lower Sodium:

• Use unsalted butter
• Reduce added salt by half
• Use low-sodium chicken broth

Lower Fat:

• Use 2 tablespoons of butter instead of 4
• Substitute chicken breast tenderloins, which are typically leaner
• Use cooking spray instead of olive oil for preparing the pan

Higher Protein:

• Increase the chicken portion size
• Add 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for serving

The Health Benefits of This Dish

I’m always conscious of the nutritional value of my meals, which is another reason I enjoy this recipe. Here are some of the health benefits of the key ingredients:

Chicken

• Excellent source of lean protein for muscle maintenance and repair
• Contains B vitamins like niacin, which supports energy production
• Provides selenium, an important antioxidant mineral

Asparagus

• Rich in antioxidants, including vitamins E, C, and glutathione
• Contains high levels of folate, important for cell division and DNA synthesis
• Good source of fiber for digestive health
• Contains asparagine, an amino acid that acts as a natural diuretic

Garlic

• Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties
• May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Has immune-boosting properties

Lemon

• High in vitamin C for immune support
• Contains citric acid, which can aid digestion
• Provides antioxidants that fight free radicals
• The zest contains limonene, which may have anti-cancer properties

Dill

• Contains monoterpenes that have antioxidant properties
• Traditional digestive aid
• Good source of vitamin A for eye health
• Contains calcium, manganese, and iron

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on feedback and questions I’ve received when sharing this recipe, here are answers to some common queries:

Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh? Yes, but reduce the quantity to 1 tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh. The flavor won’t be as bright, but it will still be delicious.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth? You can substitute vegetable broth, white wine, or even water in a pinch. If using water, you might want to add a bit more butter and seasonings to compensate for the flavor loss.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done? The most reliable method is to use an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part—the meat should be opaque and white throughout with no pink.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken breasts will take approximately 8-10 minutes per side. You might want to finish them in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes after searing to ensure they’re cooked through.

Q: What if my asparagus is very thick or very thin? Adjust your cooking time accordingly. Very thin spears might need only 2 minutes, while thick spears could take up to 5-6 minutes. The key is to cook them until they’re bright green and just tender when pierced with a fork.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep all ingredients ahead of time. For a dinner party, I recommend having everything measured and chopped, then cooking just before serving. The actual cooking process only takes about 20 minutes.

Q: How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes? With 1/4 teaspoon, it adds just a subtle warmth, not actual spiciness. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can omit it entirely. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase to 1/2 teaspoon or more.

Q: My sauce broke and looks separated. What happened? This can happen if the heat is too high when adding cold butter. To fix it, remove from heat, add a tablespoon of cold water, and whisk vigorously until it comes back together.

A Personal Note: Why This Recipe Has a Special Place in My Kitchen

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy spring when fresh asparagus was abundant at my local farmers’ market. I was looking for a quick weeknight meal that would feel special despite the minimal effort.

What started as a simple experiment has become one of my signature dishes. I’ve made it for countless dinner parties, family gatherings, and quiet evenings at home. There’s something about the bright, fresh flavors that never fails to lift my spirits.

My favorite memory associated with this dish was preparing it for my parents when they visited after a long separation during the pandemic. The simple act of sharing this meal brought us together in a way that felt both comforting and celebratory—exactly what food should do.

I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your table. The beauty of cooking is in these moments of connection, whether you’re feeding loved ones or simply taking time to nourish yourself with something delicious.

Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as the destination. Don’t stress if your chicken doesn’t brown perfectly or if your asparagus needs an extra minute—what matters is that you’re creating something with your own hands. That’s where the real magic happens.

Enjoy this dish with the people you love, or savor it as a special meal just for yourself. Either way, I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your collection, just as it has in mine.