Immerse yourself in the flavors of this scrumptious dish. Aptly named Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Potatoes, it promises a burst of tangy and savory tastes. With chicken as the protein, the freshness of asparagus, and the comfort of potatoes, this meal is balanced in every sense. The added touch of herbs and spices enhances it further, making it an ideal option for any meal.
While most ingredients in this recipe can be found in a well-stocked pantry, fresh asparagus might need a special trip to the grocery store. Asparagus is a spring vegetable, so it’s most likely to be found in the fresh produce section of supermarkets during springtime. It’s a key component of the dish, providing a delicate crunch and subtle flavor that complements the chicken and potatoes.
Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Red Potatoes Ingredients
Baby red potatoes: These small, round potatoes have a subtly sweet flavor and creamy texture, perfect for roasting.
Olive oil: This oil adds a layer of richness to the dish and helps in roasting the potatoes, chicken, and asparagus.
Asparagus: A spring vegetable that gives a fresh crunch and subtle flavor to the dish.
Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, which gets a nice citrusy flavor from the lemon juice.
Garlic cloves: Garlic adds a warming, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Fresh lemon juice: Gives the chicken a fresh and tangy flavor.
Dried thyme: An herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Dried rosemary: A fragrant herb that pairs well with chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.
Lemon zest: Adds an extra lemony punch to the dish, amplifying the citrus notes.
One reader, Charley Davis says:
This lemon chicken with asparagus and potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of lemon, herbs, and tender chicken is simply divine. Plus, the asparagus and potatoes add a delightful touch. It's a definite winner for any meal!
Techniques Required for Making This Lemon Chicken Recipe
How to roast the potatoes: Toss the baby red potatoes with olive oil and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.
How to prepare the chicken and asparagus: After roasting the potatoes, add the asparagus and chicken to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread into an even layer.
How to check for doneness of the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F at its thickest part.
How to garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving warm.
How To Make Lemon Chicken Asparagus and Potato
Make dinner meals easier with our Lemon Chicken Asparagus and Potato Recipe! Put all your ingredients in a sheet pan, roast to perfection, and enjoy dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1 ½lbsbaby red potatoesdiced into small pieces, about 1-inch thick
- 4tbspolive oildivided
- 1 ¼lbsasparagusthin, tough ends trimmed, the remaining chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 ½lbschicken breastsskinless and boneless, diced into even bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick
- 4garlic clovesminced
- 3tbspfresh lemon juicezest first, then set the zest aside
- 1tspdried thyme
- 1tspdried rosemarycrushed
- Saltto taste
- Black pepperfreshly ground, to taste
- 2tbspfresh parsleychopped
- 1 ½tsplemon zest
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray an 18×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
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Place potatoes in a mound in the center of baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil then toss to evenly coat.
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Spread into an even layer, then roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. While roasting, cut and prepare other ingredients.
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Remove baking sheet from the oven and add asparagus over potatoes, then chicken over asparagus. Drizzle the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice over the top.
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Sprinkle evenly with garlic, thyme, rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
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Using a spatula, toss to evenly coat, then spread into an even layer, being careful not to overlap the chicken pieces.
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Return to the oven and roast for about 16 to 22 minutes longer, tossing once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked all the way through with its center reaching 165 degrees F on the thickest pieces.
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Season with more salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with parsley and lemon zest.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1328.54kcal
- Fat: 56.90g
- Saturated Fat: 14.37g
- Trans Fat: 0.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 27.24g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.87g
- Carbohydrates: 94.97g
- Fiber: 18.89g
- Sugar: 14.83g
- Protein: 113.91g
- Cholesterol: 290.30mg
- Sodium: 3249.50mg
- Calcium: 244.53mg
- Potassium: 4076.71mg
- Iron: 17.47mg
- Vitamin A: 291.36µg
- Vitamin C: 75.19mg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Cooking Asparagus in This Dish
When roasting the chicken and vegetables, it's important to ensure they are spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Overlapping can cause the chicken to steam rather than roast, leading to a less crispy and flavorful result. Similarly, if the vegetables are too crowded, they may not cook evenly. If necessary, use two baking sheets to provide ample space for all ingredients.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lemon Chicken
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan wonder: Use a single sheet pan to cook the entire meal, reducing the number of dishes to wash.
Multitask: While the chicken and vegetables are roasting, use that time to prepare a simple side salad or set the table.
Efficient organization: Lay out all ingredients and utensils before starting to cook to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking mess and make the cleanup process more manageable.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Chicken Asparagus and Potato Recipe
baby red potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them a great substitute for baby red potatoes in this recipe.
asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be used as a substitute for asparagus, providing a similar crisp texture and fresh flavor to the dish.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, offering a similar texture and taste when cooked.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity and tanginess similar to lemon juice, adding a bright flavor to the dish.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for dried thyme, offering a slightly different herbaceous flavor that complements the dish.
dried rosemary - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram can replace dried rosemary, providing a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor to the recipe.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a bright and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can replace lemon zest, offering a citrusy and aromatic flavor to the recipe.
Presenting Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Potatoes
Elevate the plating: Arrange the lemon chicken, asparagus, and potatoes in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Ensure the chicken skin is crispy and golden, the asparagus is tender-crisp, and the potatoes are perfectly roasted for a delightful textural experience.
Balance the flavors: Aim for a harmonious balance of tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and savory chicken, ensuring each bite is a delightful blend of flavors.
Create a focal point: Position the chicken as the focal point of the dish, with the asparagus and potatoes artfully arranged around it to draw attention to the star ingredient.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring a meticulous and refined presentation that reflects attention to detail.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Potatoes
- To store leftovers, allow the lemon chicken, asparagus, and potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating leftovers, ensure that the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
- If you want to freeze the leftovers, it's best to store the chicken, asparagus, and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. This allows you to thaw and reheat each component as needed.
- To freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Label the bag or container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- For the asparagus and potatoes, place them in separate freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label and date the bags or containers, and freeze for up to 6 months.
- To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw the chicken, asparagus, and potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the components in the oven or microwave until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are heated through.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the asparagus and potatoes may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be flavorful and enjoyable.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover lemon chicken, asparagus, and potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dish is heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe container and cover with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through.
If you want to add some extra flavor and crispiness to your reheated meal, try using a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook until they start to crisp up. Then, add the asparagus and chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the chicken has a nice golden-brown exterior.
For a more unconventional approach, try repurposing your leftovers into a new dish. Chop up the lemon chicken and asparagus, then mix them with some cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a delicious pasta salad. Or, use the leftover potatoes to make a hearty breakfast hash by frying them up with some onions, peppers, and eggs.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to reheat your leftovers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. And don't forget to add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors and make your reheated meal taste just as delicious as the first time around!
Random Fact About Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Potatoes
The lemon chicken with asparagus and potatoes recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Is Making Lemon Chicken at Home Economical?
This lemon chicken with asparagus and potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, asparagus, and potatoes, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The use of simple seasonings like garlic, thyme, and rosemary adds flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and budget-friendly meal, earning a solid 8 out of 10.
Is This Lemon Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This lemon chicken with asparagus and potatoes recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The recipe incorporates several nutritious ingredients:
- Chicken breast: A lean source of protein that aids in muscle growth and repair
- Asparagus: High in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate
- Red potatoes: Contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber when consumed with the skin
- Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- Lemon juice and zest: Provide vitamin C and add flavor without additional calories
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the dish even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Consider using a combination of dried and fresh herbs to increase the antioxidant content and flavor profile
- Add more variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, you could:
- Use a mixture of sweet potatoes and red potatoes for added vitamin A and fiber
- Marinate the chicken in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs for added tenderness and protein
- Serve the dish with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutrient content
- Sprinkle the finished dish with nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added healthy fats and texture
By making these adjustments, you can create a well-rounded, nutritious meal that satisfies both taste buds and dietary needs.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Lemon Chicken Dish
This lemon chicken with asparagus and potatoes recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasted potatoes and asparagus provide a hearty base, while the tender, flavorful chicken takes center stage. The blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses the dish with bright, aromatic notes. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home cooks, and the result is a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
Enhance Your Lemon Chicken Asparagus and Potato Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lemon Chicken Asparagus and Potato Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful meal with fresh ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavors. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with dried thyme and rosemary, while the asparagus and baby red potatoes add a nutritious and satisfying touch. The use of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest ensures a burst of citrusy brightness, elevating the dish to a whole new level. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on quality, this recipe is a testament to the art of home cooking.
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