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Birthday Recipes

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

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Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors in this Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken paired with perfectly roasted asparagus. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an elegant meal to impress guests. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic complements the crispness of the asparagus, making it a balanced and flavorful meal.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Serving Size: 4 servings

Description:

This recipe offers a quick yet delicious dinner option that highlights the natural flavors of chicken and asparagus. The marinade for the chicken is simple but packs a punch with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting the asparagus in the oven brings out its sweetness while adding a touch of balsamic glaze enhances its flavor profile.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How To Cook:

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, pour marinade over them, making sure each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
  3. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place chicken on preheated grill, close lid, and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Rinse Asparagus: While chicken is cooking, rinse asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  5. Cook the Asparagus: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle balsamic glaze over them and toss gently to coat evenly. Roast in preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
  6. Serve: Once chicken is cooked through and asparagus is roasted, remove from heat sources. Slice chicken into thin strips if desired and serve alongside the warm asparagus spears. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.

Tips:

  • To ensure even cooking of chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before marinating.
  • For a healthier option, you can use a non-stick grill pan on the stovetop instead of charcoal or gas grills.
  • If you prefer more intense lemon flavor in your dish, increase the amount of zest and juice used in the marinade.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 31g

This Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Asparagus is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.